Columbia Credit Union's First "Green" Branch

I just had chance to check out Columbia Credit Union's new "Green" branch which opened here in Washougal. This flagship branch will set the standard for the company's move towards efficient and sustainable building practices. It's a beautiful building - warm and inviting. Its unique architectural design seems to reflect the natural beauty of the Columbia River.

But enough of the poetical yada yada. It has some cool stuff! For example, it has a rainwater recycling cistern (shouldn't be too hard to fill that). Rainwater collected in this will be used for irrigation and non-potable water systems within the building (okay - the toilets). This will save the branch about 13,000 gallons of water every year! According to this handy brochure which I picked up from their grand opening, this equals a day's worth of drinking water for 27,000 people. Wow, wow, wow...

In the center of the building and very noticeable from the outside, is a large skylight. If there's enough light coming through skylight (hopefully someday soon), the lights within will dim; a handy energy-saving feature.

If you happen to be sitting at the desk of one of the banking staff, take a look at the chair you are sitting on. All guest chairs are made out of woven recycled seat belts. Very clever and comfortable.

There are many other features - too many to list here. I suggest visiting the branch and asking for a tour. The staff is very friendly and very proud of its new building.

Tell them the Goof Proofer from Goof Proof Services, sent you.

Business Networking Poll

I've just added a poll entitled "What form of business networking works best for you?" to this blog.

Please scroll down to the bottom to participate in this poll.

I Joined My Chamber of Commerce

It took me some time to decide to join my local chamber of commerce, but I finally did. I'm glad I did. The Camas Washougal Chamber of Commerce is a great group!

I was immediately welcomed and was invited to introduce myself and my business at this month's meeting. They even gave me a plaque, which I proudly display. I was especially pleased with the quality of speakers from the community and greater Vancouver. I am impressed with the range of activities offered by this Chamber - free seminars and after-hour events are just a couple of the many ways in which the Chamber involves the business community.

When I first opened Goof Proof, I ran to all points of Clark County and into Portland, to promote my business. The result - several wonderful personal and business relationships. However, as I got busier (a good thing!) I felt it was time to look closer to home. Now, not only do I save on gas, I'm meeting local business people who share my interest and love of the area in which I live.

My New Project - A Library for Chabad of Clark County

I can't resist a good book. When the opportunity to create this library presented itself, I was right there - front and center - volunteering to take the lead on this wonderful project.

So I ask you...

What’s better than discovering a really good book on Judaism? I know – it’s having access to a whole library of really good books on Judaism!

Chabad of Clark County is pleased to announce that plans are underway for the Center’s very own Jewish Learning Library – a lending library for the Jewish community.

There are several ways to participate in the building of this library:

Join our committee – help with planning, book search, administration, book conservation, fundraising – the sky’s the limit!

Purchase a book from our Wish List - contact me at shatton@goofproofservices.com for a copy of this list.

Donate your gently-used books. We’re looking for books within, but not limited to the following categories:
Cookery
Family
Holocaust
Current Affairs
Literacy
Spirituality
Sabbath and Holidays
Children

Donate money towards administrative supplies, upkeep and the purchase of new books and shelves.

For more information about this wonderful project or how to donate, contact Stephanie Hatton at 360-798-8672 or Ira Rosen at 503-886-9314.

I Love My New Website!

I am pleased to announce that my new website, Goof Proof Services, is now live. I am so pleased with this site, that I simply must introduce the mastermind behind the design.

Zak Pine of ZIP Graphics is an amazing person to work with. I simply browsed a few websites, gave him a general idea of the type of design I was thinking of and he came up with a concept that surpassed my expectations.

If you provide the content (or hire Goof Proof to write it for you!), he'll strive to make what you say about your business look professional yet unique amongst your competitors. Not only will he create your basic website, but he'll also maintain your updates for a very reasonable yearly fee. No more messing with restrictive templates that inhibit your creativity and how you wish to present your business. Zak will take care of you for as long as you need him.

Check out his website at ZIP Graphics or send him an email . Tell him Goof Proof sent you!

Free Business Advertising

Do you want to become one of my favorite businesses and get free advertising as well? Would you like to get your local business "blogged" without having to blog yourself?

If you live in the Portland or Vancouver area - and especially the Camas/Washougal area - give a me a call at 360-798-8672. I'd love to visit your business and learn more about you do and what you offer. I'm all for shopping locally and supporting small businesses.

I promise to write a positive review, highlighting the best aspects of your company and the services you offer.

To learn more about me and what I do, log onto www.goofproofservices.com.

I look forward to meeting you!

Prune Hill Bread & Wine Company, Camas, WA

I've eaten at this establishment so many times, I think Glenn Sackett, owner of the Prune Hill Bread and Wine Company in Camas, is likely to engrave my name on the back of one of his chairs.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner: I've eaten all three meals at his place (not all on the same day, of course) and have never been disappointed. He offers a lovely selection of wines with some terrific labels - (I buy wine using the cool label factor; however, Glenn will help you choose the perfect wine for your meal - regardless of label).

The place has the feel of an Alaskan lodge - small and cozy; however the portions are huge. Be sure to leave room for the baked goods - all of which are prepared right on the premises. He makes a lovely challah for those of you like to celebrate shabbat in a traditional manner without the hassle of baking your own bread. Give him a couple of days notice and he'll have your bread ready for you on Friday.

More and more choices are available in the East County area and I've tried them all. But I keep going back to my favorites. Prune Hill is definitely worth a visit. Tell Glenn, Stephanie of Goof Proof Services sent you!