We want the best healthcare possible for those we love, whether they are family, friends or fur babies. That’s why we are proud to have had VCA Covington Animal Hospital as a member since 2008. What better way to celebrate National Pet Month than to give a “shout out” to VCA Covington! Treating dogs, cats and other small animals, VCA Covington is open six days a week. They offer a wide range of services including primary care, preventative care, advanced care, pet counseling, and treatment for canine and feline diabetes. Some of their services include:
What really makes VCA stand out is that they are a Fear Free Certified and a Low-Stress Handling Certified Practice. Their veterinary professionals and support staff have received special training and have been certified in techniques that help reduce the fear, stress and anxiety of vet visits for pets and their owners. When registering a new pet, the team at VCA asks about a pet’s specific preferences and anxiety issues to be sure they treat pets safely and in a way that makes them more comfortable and less anxious. For example, has your pet had a traumatic experience the vet should be aware of? Are there parts of the pet’s body the pet doesn’t like to have touched? Are they afraid of other animals or people? The VCA team then tailors their treatment protocols to fit the pet’s specific needs. In addition to their services, VCA Covington offers pet products for sale online and at the clinic, and they have a Care Club membership program to make vet care more affordable for pet owners. They also partner with local businesses like Jean Wall Insurance to offer pet insurance to pet owners who are interested. Learn more about VCA Covington at https://vcahospitals.com/covington.
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If Tamara Paul looks familiar, you may have seen her on grocery carts in Covington, at community events or fundraisers, or picking up trash on the side of the highway. Tamara Paul, a REALTOR® and the owner of The Tamara Paul Group, is a fixture in the Covington community, and she is proud to have been born and raised in the area. In fact, her parents still live in the home where Tamara grew up. “I consider it my community,” Tamara said. “It’s home.” For 16 years, Tamara has been a full-service real estate agent, serving buyers and sellers. Prior to that, she was a primary school teacher in the Kent School District. When making the career switch from teaching to real estate, Tamara was inspired by her parents who told her to “always own, never rent.” She followed that advice and bought her first home at 23! She also considered that advice when deciding what she wanted to do after teaching. Tamara took a leave of absence from school to try out real estate, and she’s never looked back. Despite getting into real estate during a recession, Tamara wasn’t discouraged. She is a people person, detail oriented and her work with clients is relationship-based. Tamara is also a connector and a resource for her clients, so real estate is a good fit for her. She loves working with clients and really getting to know them. “I want to hear just as much about you as I want to tell you about me,” said Tamara. “My clients become family.” Tamara offers real estate services A to Z, providing her clients with whatever support they need. Some need more support than others, but she is there to help however she’s needed. Working mostly by referral, Tamara primarily serves King and Pierce Countries, but she can serve the entire state. But wait, there’s more! Tamara is not just a REALTOR®. She is very active in the communities she serves. Here are just a few of the organizations she belongs to:
In addition, Tamara supports The Storehouse, Maple Valley Food Bank, Backpack Buddies, and she helps with three separate Adopt-A-Street programs through Rotary, Seahawkers and BNI. The active REALTOR® also sponsors Shop-with-a-Cop, Backpack Kids and Vine Maple Place. Fun facts about Tamara:
Tamara: “I’m an open book!” Learn more about Tamara and her real estate business at TheTamaraPaulGroup.com! Did you know that Covington Water District was started in 1960 and had fewer than 100 customers? Sixty-three years later, the district delivers clean, safe, quality drinking water through 322 miles of pipe to more than 50,000 residents and businesses through about 19,000 connections! The Covington Water District serves a 55-square-mile area including parts of Covington, Maple Valley, Black Diamond and unincorporated King County. The district employs about 40 people and is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners who follow regulations implemented and enforced by the Washington State Department of Health. The organization’s mission is, “Serving quality water with excellent customer service, commitment to strategic and emergency planning, fiscal responsibility, regulatory compliance, stewardship and partnerships since 1960.” The Covington Water District joined the Covington Chamber in October 1992, shortly after the chamber was founded. They have been a strong partner ever since, sponsoring events, serving on committees and our board, and participating in programs like Ready Set Play. Some of the water district’s other area partners include the City of Covington, the Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber, and the Regional Water Supply System (RWSS). Three important facts to know about the water district:
Fun facts about the district
We are proud to have the Covington Water District as a long-time member of the chamber and Denzel Jones, business analyst, as a member of the Covington Chamber board. Previously, Tom Keown, P.E., General Manager, of Covington Water District served on our board for a number of years, including serving as board chair. Learn more about the Covington Water District at CovingtonWater.com. Thank you to the Covington Water District for supporting our residents and businesses with their services and by doing so with integrity. We appreciate you! Meet The Howard Team -- Walter and Emily Howard -- of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. This incredible couple has 32 years of combined mortgage experience. Walter has 26 years, and Emily has 6. Prior to doing mortgages, Emily was a special education teacher for the Kent School District for 15 years. The Howard Team offers all residential housing mortgage loan products, and they serve 26 U.S. states and most of Washington State. "We love helping families buy their dream homes and build generational wealth through investing in real estate," Walter and Emily said. Here are just a few ways The Howard Team differentiates themselves:
Walter and Emily are very involved in the communities they serve, giving back and helping make their communities better. The organizations they support include Auburn Humane Society, Covington Storehouse, Vine Maple Place, Metro Animal Services, Treehouse, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Autism Society of Washington, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Cell Phones for Soldiers, just to name a few. On the personal side, if you’ve ever met Walter or Emily, you know they live full lives, making the most of each day, and their positive attitudes are contagious. Married for 11 years, the couple loves animals and critters of all kinds including contact companion Yorkie Frank, tropical fish, frogs, and a chameleon that showed up mysteriously in their yard on Halloween two years ago. Walter and Emily love to be outside, gardening, doing yardwork, traveling, or playing volleyball and disc golf. “We love animals and gardening,” Emily said. “We enjoy creating relationships with all kinds of people and learning about other cultures.” Fun facts:
If you haven’t met Walter or Emily, look for them around the community or at a Covington Chamber event. Their outlook on life and their hard work and professionalism are inspiring! Learn more about them here: WalterHowardLoans.com “Where it’s home and you’re family.” Owned and operated by three generations of family since 1958, Larry Bunn, DDS and his wife Nancy Koelsch Bunn Munro opened the Weatherly Inn in Tacoma next to the Auto View Drive-In Theatre in 1989. In 1999, Larry and Nancy, along with their five children, opened the Weatherly Inn Kent, and earlier this year, they opened Weatherly Inn Renton. The company is currently overseen by Alex Bunn, president and CEO. A Covington Chamber member since 2002, Weatherly Inn Kent provides memory care and day and respite care. In addition, the two-story facility near Lake Meridian provides all the comforts of home including companion and private suites, family style dining, regular activities like bowling, bingo and barbecues, a beauty and barber shop, field trips like shopping, and live entertainment. Along with all the fun activities, Weatherly Inn has a wonderful nursing staff, including having an LPN on staff 24/7, something that not all senior care facilities offer. All the Weatherly Inn’s care staff are certified nursing assistants (CNAs). The facility also provides specialty care from a medical team including a medical doctor, psychiatrist, podiatrist, phlebotomist, dentist, occupational and physical therapists, and hair stylist. The facility is proud of the longevity of their staff with some having worked at the facility for 20 years! Weatherly Inn Kent has a new general manager, Sabrina Selden, who worked at the facility in other roles prior to becoming the GM. She loves the fun, lively and caring atmosphere at Weatherly Inn, which provides residents with the care they need while also giving families peace of mind that their loved ones are being well cared for. “Our philosophy is making each day a resident’s best day and figuring out ways to help residents connect,” Sabrina said. “We want to show them grace, treat them with dignity, and help them feel human when there is so much that’s beyond their control.” Sabrina also said it is important to them to take over the caregiving responsibilities so that families can come and enjoy their time with their loved ones. “My reward is making residents laugh and smile and really living in the moment. We want to be here for them and their families,” said Sabrina said. On the personal side, Sabrina gave us some insight into life away from work: Favorite vacation: anywhere tropical and warm Favorite dessert: brownies with chocolate chips and a scoop of chocolate ice cream on top Favorite pastime: RVing with her family Family life: Sabrina’s home includes two adults, two kids, two dogs (a German short-haired pointer and a coon hound) and two cats. Fun fact: Sabrina’s mom Julie also works at the Weatherly Inn and is often the first person to greet visitors and guests with a smile. Among her other duties, Julie manages the Weatherly Inn’s activities for Ready Set Play, an annual summer kids’ activity program the Covington Chamber runs in partnership with the City of Covington. Learn more about the Weatherly Inn Kent at https://www.weatherlyinn.com/kent_community. How does your garden grow? Or, in this case, where does your garden grow? Based in Issaquah, Countryside Floral & Garden (1420 NW Gilman Blvd #1, Issaquah, WA 98027) grows beautiful plants in the shop’s greenhouse as well as on owner Jon Robert Throne’s Covington area farm – Farm, Fare & Floral. Countryside Floral & Garden has been an Issaquah staple for 40 years. Jon has worked at the store for 19 years, buying the store in 2012. The store’s offerings run the gamut. It’s got everything from African violets and long stem roses to candles and bunny-driven carrot cars. The store’s all decked out for Easter! When you enter the store, your senses are filled with delightful smells and vibrant colors in a wonderland where Jon and his staff design beautiful floral creations for all occasions, including weddings, corporate events, birthdays, funeral arrangements, and more. What’s unique about the store is the talent of his experienced staff who have 135+ years of combined experience. When needed, the store calls in extra designers for particularly large events and holidays to be sure they can serve all of their customers. Originally from Michigan, Jon got his first spider plant at age 5 and his first tomato plant at age 6, and he was hooked. “I’ve always loved watching things grow, whether it is a seed, plant, person, animal or business,” Jon said. When we asked Jon what his specialty was, he said it was hard to choose one thing, because the store is diverse and they offer so many things, from locally made gift items (e.g., candles, chocolates, bath & body products) to plants and incredible floral masterpieces. So why would a Covington customer use an Issaquah floral shop?
A little about Jon In addition to Countryside Floral & Garden, Jon owns Farm, Fare & Floral, a Covington Chamber member at the Community Leader level (thank you, Jon!). He is also a member of the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce and NACE Tacoma/Seattle. He holds the AIFD (American Institute of Floral Designers) and CFD (Certified Floral Designer) designations, signifying his experience. On the personal side, we asked Jon: Wine or beer? He prefers wine, especially a buttery chardonnay. Dogs or cats? He prefers dogs, but he has both. Happy place? Feeding the animals on his farm gives him a special energy. A fact few people know? Jon is a preacher’s son. Three words to describe himself: eclectic, charismatic, unique If you haven’t already visited Countryside Floral & Garden, it is worth the short drive to meet Jon, his lovely staff, and their wonderful store and designs. Take a video tour!In retail management for 10 years, Brad Hanson was ready for a career change. When deciding what to do next, Brad remembered his own home-buying experience, which was not a good one. He loves serving people, so he decided to become a REALTOR® to elevate the experience for clients. During 2017 – his first year in real estate – Brad sold 27 homes, and now he is regularly in the top 1% of REALTORS® for John L. Scott. Giving his clients his full attention, Brad caters to each individual client’s needs and treats them like family. Brad tries to educate, teach and help them understand the real estate market and their options, so clients can make the best decisions for their lives. This is probably why he has grown a very successful business in such a short period of time. “They aren’t just a contract to us,” Brad said. “It’s about what’s best for the client, not what’s best for me.” In one example, Brad was able to help a buyer purchase a $275,000 manufactured home. The buyer was someone who thought they would never be able to buy a home, so this sale is particularly memorable for Brad. “It brings me joy to help people,” said Brad. With an office in Black Diamond, Brad and his six-member team are hyperlocal, focusing primarily on the real estate markets in Black Diamond, Maple Valley, Covington and Kent. They also serve other cities within King County as well as Pierce and Snohomish Counties. Brad is the managing broker. His team includes Jereme Farmer, operations manager; Lisa Holle, listing agent; Kate Humpherys, buyer’s agent; Hilary Gardiner, transaction coordinator; Davin Lee, marketing coordinator; and Sarah Beckler, listing coordinator. When not “wowing” their clients with personalized service, Brad and his team are actively involved in their local communities. Brad is currently the president of the Tahoma Schools Foundation, and he has a partnership with Ticket to Dream, a nonprofit that provides hope and opportunities to foster children across the country, hosting a pajama drive every year. On the personal side, we asked Brad…
In today’s world, it is so easy to get distracted and multitask, but Brad wants to really experience life and be fully present whatever he’s doing. That’s great advice we can all learn from. Learn more about Brad Hanson and the Bradley Hanson Group online. Meet Pat Hanis of Hanis Irvine Prothero PLLC, a Covington Chamber member since 2008. Based in Kent, the full-service law firm serves Kent, Covington and the South King County area. They will celebrate their 20th year in business this summer. We met with Pat, a partner with Hanis Irvine Prothero and the Covington Chamber’s chair-elect to learn more about the law firm, also known as “HIP.” Hanis Irvine Prothero has 11 attorneys who offer a wide range of legal services, including bankruptcy, business law, criminal defense/DUI, estate planning and probate, family law, homeowner’s associations, immigration law, personal injury and real estate law. There are five partners in the firm including Mike Hanis, Pat Hanis, Cynthia Irvine, Greg Girard and Greg Cromwell, as well as an experienced team of support staff. The law firm is invested in the local community and their attorneys are active in a range of local organizations. Of the 11 attorneys at HIP, four are graduates of the Kent School District: 3 from Kentwood and 1 from Kent-Meridian. You can’t get much more local than that! Pat followed in his father Mike’s footsteps to become an attorney, as did his brother Brian. Pat has a bachelor's degree in speech communications from the University of Washington and a law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law. He specializes in probate and estate planning, real estate, business, and water and sewer districts. Pat was attracted to the law because he wanted to help clients navigate legal questions and situations. “I often get calls from clients after a family member has passed away. Many of them don’t understand what’s next, and I like being able to make the process less of a mystery,” Pat says. “I want to give my clients peace of mind during an emotional experience.” When not working, Pat serves as a commissioner for the Lake Meridian Water District, and he supports local organizations including the Covington Chamber. He is the former president of the South King County Bar Association and past president of the Meridian-Kiwanis Club. He and his wife Sarah live in Kent where they have raised five children. When you meet Pat, you’ll be greeted with a smile and feel like you’ve met a friendly neighbor. You’ll also understand that he is very smart and good at what he does, and you’ll know he truly wants to help people, whether they are friends, family, clients or the community. Visit HIPLawFirm.com to learn more about Pat and Hanis Irvine Prothero PLLC. When Bryan LaBelle walks into a room, his height is often the first thing people notice, but it isn’t what they’ll remember about him. They will remember his smile, warm and welcoming nature, positive attitude, love of community, and his focus on faith, family, and friends. Bryan is also known for being approachable and a really good listener. Bryan has been an Edward Jones advisor for 2½ years, but he has been interested in finance since college. He attended Northwestern University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Studies. During college, Bryan also played football, moving on to the NFL’s New Orleans Saints and the XFL’s Chicago Enforcers. After his football career, Bryan held a number of management positions for UPS, including director of business development of major accounts, enterprise accounts, and global accounts, where he traveled all over the world, working with Fortune 500 companies. Passionate about finance, Bryan mentored under another financial advisor for eight years. He now has his own Edward Jones office in Covington and loves helping clients work toward their goals (e.g., home ownership, retirement, generational wealth) while managing risk. “I get to help people with things they don’t share with anyone else. It is an honor to be trusted with that information and to be able to help,” Bryan says. “I like to treat my clients’ money as if it is my own.” In addition to his day job, Bryan helped found the Covington BNI group in April 2021, where he serves as the group’s president. He is also a proud ambassador for the Covington Chamber, welcoming and supporting our members. Bryan is married to his wife Lyrica. They live in Covington with their three children: Callia, 13; Elise, 9; and Bodan, 6. Fun facts about Bryan:
The next time you see Bryan, let us know what you remember the most about him! We are proud to have Novo Apartments as a member of the Covington Chamber. Their beautiful property, upscale apartments, and warm hospitality are wonderful assets to the Covington community.
The serenity of life at Novo provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life! With a tranquil lake view providing the perfect backdrop, their spacious apartment homes offer everything you have been looking for, including new gourmet kitchens, complete with stainless appliances and wood style flooring. At the end of a long workday, you will be re-energized with a dip in the beautiful pool and spa, or a workout in their state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness center! With favorite restaurants and retailers just steps away, Novo combines the tranquility of a lakeside retreat with all the upscale luxury and convenience of modern living. Visit Novo Apartments online for more information, or contact Jose or Haillie at 253-201-0590 to schedule a tour! |
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