Lunchtime Vendors and Entertainment Coming to Tollefson

Take your lunch break in Tollefson Plaza- every Friday starting July 10 to September 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your own lunch or buy food from local restaurateurs and enjoy free entertainment from local musicians.

By July 10th, the first of the Summer Lunch Series, you’ll be able to sit comfortably under the shade of one of the plaza’s new umbrellas, and enjoy live music from the Caribbean band Island Jamz. Other performers this summer will include Shakespeare performances by “Shakespeare in the Parking Lot” and live acoustic music from local performers.

Vendors, entertainers and musicians are being scheduled for this summer. For a schedule of events and vending information, please e-mail Vy Dotson at vyd@tacomachamber.org.

Love Tacoma Strikes Again - Join us at Cork!

Don't miss Love Tacoma at CORK! Wine Bar (3012 Sixth Ave) tomorrow, June 9th at 5:30.

CORK! is an intimate, unpretentious wine bar located in the heart of 6th Ave. They offer a variety of deliciously inexpensive wines by the glass or the bottle which compliment a small plate menu of artesian breads, cheeses, meats, and flatbreads.

Just for Tacoma Lovers Cork! will provide drink and food specials and prizes for our every-popular raffel. See you tomorrow at Cork!

Explore. Play. Repeat.

Love Tacoma is an informal monthly gathering of individuals who love Tacoma and enjoy exploring the city’s urban hotspots. It’s a great way to meet new friends and celebrate the places, people and activities that make Tacoma great. From casual happy hours to sophisticated wine tastings to next week's most anticipated show, you'll be able to meet and mingle with amazing people in Tacoma's urban community.

For more information, check out our website at http://lovetacoma.com/

Expect Construction Delays at S. 9th and Broadway

Starting on Tuesday, May 26, contractors will begin to install new power and communication vaults at the intersection of South Ninth Street and Broadway near the Pantages Theater. While this work is underway, the eastbound lanes (downhill) of Ninth Street will be restricted to one-lane.

Due to ongoing work at this intersection, restrictions and delays can be expected over the next several weeks. Signs and flaggers will be in place to notify drivers in the area of the traffic revisions. There will also be temporary sidewalk closures. Pedestrians will be able to cross at South Ninth Street and St. Helens Avenue, but not at Broadway.

This work is outside the scope of the Broadway Local Improvement District, but is associated with the project.

Celebrate “Go Local Tacoma Day” at the Broadway Farmer's Market- May 21st

“Go Local Tacoma Day” will be the centerpiece during the opening day of the Broadway Farmers Market on Thursday May 21 in downtown Tacoma on Broadway Street between 9th and 11th.

In addition to members of “Go Local Tacoma” being on hand, visitors can enjoy the Iron Chef Cook-Off, to be judged by local celebrities and city officials. Along with local music, there will also be a gardening demonstration at the Foodie Fun Clinic and multiple family friendly activities.

The Organization:
“Go Local Tacoma” started off 2009 incorporating, electing a board of directors and forming a vision and strategy with a goal of providing tangible benefits to the general community, as well as local business members. “We’re dedicated as an organization to building community that supports, and is supported by local independent businesses,” said Patricia Lecy-Davis, current President of Go Local Tacoma. “Our members showcase what makes Tacoma unique, while fostering economic development and investing in Tacoma’s future.”

The Need Exists:
In challenging as well as prosperous economic times, homegrown enterprises provide a source of pride and improve the overall quality of life for a community. In addition, communities that preserve one-of-a-kind businesses are more likely to attract entrepreneurs and new investment. “Our members, who are also our neighbors, stock their shelves based on local customers needs and desires,” said Lecy-Davis. “This guarantees a more customized range of products, services, and choices for the consumer.”

Membership:
Members enjoy a variety of benefits:
· Social activities designed specifically for business owners and managers.
· Programs for members including panel discussions for advice, mentoring, and professional exchanges and sharing of ideas.
· Workshops and training for business and professional development, marketing, sales strategies, and creating strategic community partners.
· Marketing opportunities to a wide reach of consumers.
Membership is open to local, independent businesses in which 50% or more of decisions at the business are made at the local level.

Tacoma Live:
Available at “Go Local Day” as well at numerous businesses, hotels, and within other partner publications, “Tacoma Live “is a publication that provides helpful information on a variety of arts, services, entertainment and shopping options provided by local independent operators for those moving to the area or those already committed to Tacoma.

About Go Local Tacoma
Go Local Tacoma is a Section 501(c)(6) corporation with The Greater Tacoma Foundation as its fiscal agent. It is dedicated to building community that supports and is supported by local independent business. To become a member or for more information, visit: http://www.golocaltacoma.com/.

Do YOU Bike Tacoma?

May is national bike month, and whether you're an avid bike commuter or a fair weather rider, Tacoma has plenty events and activities to promote and celebrate cycling in our great city. Check out PierceTrips.com for full details.

Bike Month activities are organized by the City of Tacoma in partnership with Pierce Transit and Pierce County, and sponsored this year by MultiCare.

Bike Swap – Saturday, May 9: Need a bike? Have one or two you'd like to sell? Stop by the University of Puget Sound between noon and 5 this Saturday for Tacoma's first bike swap. With vendors from throughout the Northwest there will be plenty of bicycles to choose from, whether you’re looking for road, mountain, or vintage. There will also be giveaways (blinky lights, anyone?), commuter routes and resources, and more.

Bike to a Better Tacoma – Wednesday, May 13: Stop by the Hub (203 Tacoma Ave S) from 5-7 pm to talk about the City’s bicycle plan and enjoy a free slice!

Bike to work week Commuter Challenge - May 11-15: Gather a team of co-workers, register on PierceTrips.com, ride to work, and win great prizes! On Friday morning, May 15, pedal to Blackwater Coffee or the UWT Starbucks for a free cup of coffee poured by a City council member.

Zeit Bike Spoke Tales at the Tacoma Art Museum, - May 21, 6 pm: Enter your spoke card, and come check out all the submissions on Third Thursday.

Special prizes from the Chamber: We’ll send Downtown: On the Go! Chamber members who log at least 4 bicycle trips in May a gift card to one of our great downtown coffee shops!

Think biking isn't for you? Now is the perfect time to give it a try, and there are plenty of resources to help you get started. Visit PierceTrips.com for a bicycle commuter guide and suggested commuter routes identified by the Tacoma Wheelmen Bicycle Club. Stop by the bike swap to pick out a new ride. Attend a Bike Commuting or Bike Maintenance workshop. Meet and chat with other cycling enthusiasts, novices, advocates, and planners. We look forward to seeing you out there!

Curious About Tacoma Condos?

Join the 2009 Tacoma Condo Tour, May 16th-17th from 11am-4pm.

Downtown Tacoma and Ruston's best condominiums are opening their doors and welcoming new buyers. This tour is a great opportunity to view half a dozen of the newest downtown and waterfront condominiums Tacoma and Ruston have to offer. To see participating properties click here.

Pick up your tour maps, brochures and literature on participating condominiums in downtown Tacoma at The Pantages Theater Saturday May 16th or Sunday May 17th from 11am-4pm. For more information please go to the Tacoma Condo Tour website, http://www.tacomacondotour.com/

Broadway LID Update: Traffic restrictions scheduled for intersection of 9th Street and Broadway

Starting on Monday, May 4, contractors will begin to install new power and communication vaults at the intersection of South 9th Street and Broadway near the Pantages Theater. While this work is underway, the eastbound lanes (downhill) of 9th Street will be restricted to one-lane.

Due to ongoing work at this intersection, restrictions and delays can be expected over the next two weeks. Signs and flaggers will be in place to notify drivers in the area of the traffic revisions. There will also be temporary sidewalk closures. Pedestrians will be able to cross at South 9th Street and St. Helens, but not at Broadway.

This work is outside the scope of the Broadway Local Improvement District, but is associated with the project.