The Best of Whidbey 2010

Published as a supplement to the

From Schools To Services, People & Places, Look Inside To See Your Vote.

Page 2 Best of Whidbey | Saturday, August 21, 2010 www.whidbeynewstimes.com

Pg. 3 | Best of Whidbey: 2010 on-line survey results

Pg. 6 | Recipe for success: Whidbey Coffee

Pg. 8 | Service with Style: a haircut with Shear Inspiration

Pg. 10 | Whidbey’s last new car dealer is its best: Oak Harbor Motors

Pg. 15 | Nostalgic Pleasure: Shady Ladies attract antique following

Publisher | Marcia Van DykeEditor | Jim LarsenDesign & Layout | Michelle WolfenspargerWords & Images | Justin Burnett, Katie McVicker, Jessie Stensland & Nathan WhalenMarketing Manager | Terri Tinker Marketing | Sarah Felger & Patrick Shanahan

Marketing Art | Rebecca Collins, Holly Rinne, Ginny Tomasko & Leslie VanceProduction Manager | Michelle WolfenspargerSelection Committee | Whidbey Islanders who logged on to cast over 400 web ballots for their choice of"best" Whidbey businesses, services, places & people. THANKS!

Best of Whidbey | staff

A montage of why we all love living on Whidbey– the food and wines, the great places to do everything from walk barefoot in the sand to have a romantic picnic, the wonderful events and festivals, the beauty all around us and the great places to live and work. We think the Best IS Whidbey!

O.H. YEAH!Being the bestis the best feeling.

Community Volunteer: Jo BaldaCommunity Leader: Jim SlowikBusiness Person: Shelli Trumbull

Local Band: Midlife CrisisLocal Artist: Tyler Potts

Local Author: Deb LundBirdwatching: Crockett Lake

Campground: Deception Pass State ParkBeach: West Beach

Event: Holland HappeningHistoric Building: Fort Casey

Place to Watch a Sunset: West BeachPark: Windjammer / City BeachPlace to Fish: Deception PassBike Route: The Kettles Trails

You are the BEST of the BEST!

Koetje Property Management

Koetje Property Management

Koetje Property Management Oa Har or

CHAMBER OF COMMERCEWHIDBEY ISLAND, WASHINGTON

on the cover

contents

Additional copies of this publication, subscriptions and advertising information can be obtained by contacting:WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES | 360-675-6611PO Box 1200, 107 S. Main Street, Ste. E101

Coupeville, WA 98239

www.whidbeynewstimes.com Saturday, August 21, 2010 | Best of Whidbey Page 3

Best Bar/TavernOak Harbor TavernLava LoungeToby’s Tavern

Best Place to DanceLava LoungeElementDan’s Classic Ballroom

Best Place to Play PoolAll Sports PubLava LoungeToby’s

Best Place to take a DateFrasers Gourmet HideawayBlue Fox Drive-inChristopher’s

Best Entertain-ment for KidsBlue Fox Drive-InWindjammer Park/City BeachFort Nugent Park

Best Place to WorkNaval Air Station Whidbey IslandChugach

Best Place to Work (cont.)Whidbey General Hospital

Best Place to GambleBayside Casino &Element NightclubOak Bowl

Best Place to hear Live MusicLava LoungeO� the HookTied for third place–Oak Harbor Tavern ElementFlyer’s

Best Community VolunteerJo Balda at Key BankJill JohnsonJohn Dyer

Best Community LeaderJim Slowik, Mayor of Oak HarborJill Johnson, Oak Harbor ChamberSheri� Mark Brown

Best Businessman or BusinesswomanShelli Trumbull, Cascade InsuranceTied for second place–Bob DrennanLinda Haddon

Best Local Band/MusicianMidlife CrisisTied for second place–Johnny & The Bulldogs Don Richards Band

Best Local ArtistTyler PottsStacey Neumiller (tie) Linnane ArmstrongPerry Wood� n

Best Local AuthorDeb LundLaura MoorePeggy Darst Townsend

NIGHT & DAY LIFE PEOPLE

Say hello to the BestThe Best Food, Fun, People and Places found on Whidbey, as voted upon by the readers of the Whidbey News-Times.

Whidbey News-Times/File Photo

The “Best place to work” is still Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, according to our online poll.

Thank you for votingCascade Insurance Agency, LLC

for Whidbey Island’s

BEST INSURANCE AGENCY

Continued on page 4


SHOPPING

Best BartenderHaley Plumly, Toby’s, Jamie Goodenough (tie) Brandy ThompsenCorey Jonsen, Lava (tie) Josee Fraser, Fraser’s

Best BaristaKatherine, Drag ‘n’ Fly

Best Barista (cont.)Hilary, Whidbey Co� eeLeah Norton, Whidbey Co� ee

Best WaitpersonPier Johnson Haley PlumlyTied for second place–Joanna, China CityChelsea Jones, LavaLounge

Best BloggerJill Johnson, Oak Har-bor ChamberSue FrauseBill Burnett

Best Asian MenuChina City1-2-3 ThaiSweet Rice

Best Coffee Shop/StandWhidbey Co� eeStarbucksDragon� y Espresso

Best Barbecue RestaurantBBQ JointSho ‘Nu� BBQKimo’s BBQ

Best Cheap MealTaco BellMcDonalds123 Thai

Best DeliSafewayCounty Deli, CoupevilleAlbertson’s Deli

Best BurgerFlyers Restaurant & BreweryToby’sBurger King

Best Clam ChowderSeabolt’s SmokehouseToby’sChristopher’s

Best Fish & ChipsSeabolt’s SmokehouseToby’sFlyer’s

Best SalsaEsteban’s RestaurantEl CazadorMi Pueblo

Best Mexican MenuEsteban’s RestarantEl CazadorMi Pueblo

Best SteakFraser’s GourmetHideawayApplebee’s Flyer’s

Best PizzaPapa Murphys Take N” Bake PizzaGood TimesPizza Factory

Best SeafoodSeabolt’s RestaurantToby’sFraser’s

Best DessertFrasers Gourmet Hide-awayApplebee’sChristophers

Best Happy HourApplebee’sChina CityFlyer’s

Best Restaurant For KidsApplebee’sMcDonald’sGood Times Pizza

Best Antique StoreShady Ladies AntiquesOak Tree AntiquesElkhorn Trading Co.

Best Automotive DealershipOak Harbor MotorsSlowick MotorsWhidbey Island Mazda

Best Women’s Clothing StoreMauricesCasual HouseWalMart

Best Shoe StorePayless ShoesourceCasual HouseMaurices

Best Flooring StoreFloors Plus Carpet One Floor & HomeHome DepotTied for second place–Wescott Floors (South Whidbey)Northwest Flooring & Granite

The vote for “Best Happy Hour” in north Whidbey Island went to Applebee’s® Restaurant.

Seabolt’s SmokehouseSeafood Market & Deli

675-6485Next to Oak Harbor Flooring America

To Go Orders Available!

Serving Lunch and Dinner in a

Comfortable, Inviting

Atmosphere!

Thank You for Voting Us

Whidbey’s Best

We Ship Worldwide! Order Online:www.seabolts.com

Seabolt’s Smokehouse

and Dinner in aLook for Seabolts at

Deception Pass. We have opened the deli/market

formerly “Whidbey Market”

Lots of Seabolt’s products,

camping supplies & take out menu.

Come see us.

Les Schwab Tire Center360.679.1535 • 31720 SR 20, Oak Harbor

Mon-Fri 8-6 • Sat 8-5

The crew at Whidbey’s BEST TIRE STORE

(9 years in a row!) Thanks the Best Customers EVER

for your votes!

Thank Youfor voting our doc’s the best

Dr. Douglas LangrockDr. Christopher BiddyPA-C Deborah Biddy

Whidbey Community PhysiciansBoard Certified Family Practitioners

275 SE Cabot Drive Ste B101Oak Harbor, WA 98277

360-675-6648www.whidbeyphysicians.com

RESTAURANTS & FOOD

PEOPLE

Continued on page 5

Best place to take kids...

To their rooms!ʻ̒ ʻ̒

FunniestVoters

Comments


Best Flower ShopMidway FloristGreenhouse Florist & Nursery

Best Furniture StoreWhidbey FurnitureFurniture WorldTied for third place–NEX Furniture StoreHabitat for Humanity Restore

Best Gift StoreIsland DrugWal MartBrenda’s Front Porch

Best Grocery StoreSafewayAlbertson’sSaar’s Marketplace

Best Gym/Fitness/Yoga CenterThriveNorth End FitnessLotus

Best Personal TrainerTyson Van Dam, ThriveJohn Atkins, ThriveJamie Armstrong

Best Jewelry StoreGerald’s JewelryJewelry GalleryIsland Jewelers

Best NurseryGreenhouse Florist & NurseryMailliard’s Bayview Farm &Garden

Best Tattoo ShopAaron’s TattooHooligan’s TattooIsland Ink

Best PharmacyIsland DrugWallgreensLind’s Pharmacy

Best Thrift/Resale StoreIsland ThriftWAIF Thrift StoreTied for third place–Good Cheer (South Whidbey)Habitat for Humanity

Best Tire StoreLes SchwabPrecision TireMidway Mu� er & Tire

Best Beauty SalonArtisianosCarla’sSeaside Spa & Salon

Best Hardware StoreAce HardwareHome DepotSebo’s Hardware

Best Place for a HaircutCarla’s Shear Inspira-tionsArtisianosPosh Salon

Best AccountantKathy Jones, Jones Ac-countingKathy JollyJohn Kingma

Best CatererBBQ JointSho’ Nu� FoodsSerendipity Catering

Best PlumberScottie’s Plumbing & RepairNorthwest Plumbing & MechanicalAll Island Plumbing

Best Cleaning ServiceMargie’s MaidsA+ CleaningServicemaster

Best Contractor/BuilderKingsmen ConstructionYonkman ConstructionWaldron Construction

Congratulations Laura Jean!T hank You Frasers Gourmet Hideaway!

Thank you Scott Fraser for providing a $50.00 gift certi� cate to Fraser’s Gourmet Hideway, to the randomly selected Best of Whidbey voter Laura Jean!

Thank you to all of the people who submitted entries to the 2010 Best of Whidbey contest on-line, it was a great success.

PO BOX 1200, 107 S Main St, Ste E101, Coupeville, WA 98239360-.675.6611

Dinners Tues - Sat 4:30-9:30Visit our full menu at www.frasersgh.com

360.279.1231

Whidbey’s Ultimate Dining ExperienceDramatic Open Chef’s Kitchen

(360) 679-1902 • 656 Bayshore Drive (next to Drivers Licensing)

Oak Harbor’s Oldest Antique Store

•Antique & Vintage Furniture•Collectibles•Jewelry & Gifts

Shady Ladies’

Thank you! We’ve been open for

18 years because of you!!

THANKS!To everyone who logged on

to whidbeynewstimes.com & voted for “The Best”

Your favorite park is still Windjammer Park in Oak Harbor, pictured above during Driftwood Day,

held each September.

Your vote for “Best Place to

take a date” was Frasers Gourmet

Hideaway,where you’ll find a great wine list

to choose the perfect accom-

paniment to your romantic meal.

SERVICESSHOPPING


BY KATIE MCVICKER | STAFF REPORTERIt’s scary to think that the be-

loved institution of Whidbey Coffee could’ve been replaced with the insti-tution of another lawyer, but that was the original plan.

Whidbey Coffee, the coffee house winner for this year’s Best of Whid-bey competition, was founded by Dan Ollis in 1989. At the time, Ollis was attending Edmonds Community Col-lege. He purchased a coffee cart to bring to local fairs in order to make money for law school, but after just one summer in the business, Ollis for-got about the lawyer idea.

“I started the fi rst coffee stand, the fi rst one turned into three very quick-ly and the story goes from there,” Ol-lis said.

Currently there are 10 Whidbey Coffee locations employing more than 100 people in addition to an on-line store. Ollis attributes his Best of Whidbey award to his strong admin-

istrative team and dedicated baristas.“We’re trying to give you a great

experience,” he said. “We’ve got great coffee, and we’ve got great peo-ple. That recipe put together into one is what’s giving us this compliment. We’re very honored and humbled.”

Ollis said he works to establish strong relationships with his employ-ees and enjoys watching them grow from their experience at the stores. He said he still receives college graduation announcements and letters from former workers who want to keep in touch.

“It’s always nice to hear that we did it right and that they’ve been proud to work for us,” Ollis said. “That says something about our company.”

And it seems true that Whidbey Coffee baristas are passionate about their work. Assistant manager Hilary Carpenter said she fi nds herself think-ing about her job even while on vaca-tion.

“I was gone for 10 days and I missed my regular customers,” she said.

Barista Julie Weible, who’s been with the company four years, added, “The customers are so good to us.”

Carpenter and Weible work at the two Oak Harbor locations which they said are always busy. Accord-ing to Weible, the drive-thru line at the Highway 20 location usually wraps around the building. By Labor Day, Ollis hopes to open a cafe at the SEE COFFEE, PAGE 7

Recipe for Success: Whidbey Coffee, Whidbey’s Best

Dan Ollis, founder of Whidbey Coffee.

Celebrating our 4th year in business and4 straight years as the “Best of Whidbey”

360-679-3500

Thank you to all of our customers who have become part of our family.

Thank You!

Complete Floral ServiceComplete Floral Service

Thank You!Thank You!Thank You!for voting us

Best Flower Shop!

www.midway� orist.com

Thank you for voting us the Best Place

to get a Haircut!

(360) (360) 679-4478

830 SE Bayshore Dr, Ste 101OAK HARBOR

NEW Upstairs Skincare Studio! Come enjoy our “hidden paradise”

overlooking the water!

Celebratingour 29th Year in Business!

Katie McVicker/Whidbey News-TimesStamp cards of regular customers are posted on the wall of Whidbey Coffee to honor loyal service.


Katie McVicker/Whidbey News-TimesThe daily special sign hangs above picnic tables at the Oak Harbor Pioneer Way location of Whidbey Coffee.

At left, Barista Julie Weible prepares a drink at the Oak Harbor Pioneer Way location of Whidbey Coffee. Whidbey Coffee was the coffee house winner for the 2010 Best of Whidbey contest.

highway location that serves grab-and-go food and offers a place for customers to relax and take ad-vantage of the wireless internet.

“He’s really going to the nines with this one,” Weible said. She said Ollis plans to install fl at screen televisions and a stand-alone fi replace at the cafe.

Furthermore, Ollis said drink options will contin-ue to expand. He said he’s working more directly with importers to fi nd high-quality beans.

“We’re constantly trying to fi nd new projects with new farmers who are trying to work their craft in third world countries,” he said.

Ollis’ favorite coffee right now is Whidbey’s Founders Blend, but he said it’s nearly impossible to choose when the products are ever-changing.

Locations and hours for Whidbey Coffee can be found at www.whidbeycoffee.com.

COFFEE, FROM PG. 6

The customers are so good to us.ʻ̒ ʻ̒

Julie Weible, Whidbey Coffee Barista

Your Locally Owned

150 SE Pioneer Way360-679-3533

Come to the place where we’ll treat you right!

Come to the place where

seen the light?

Still haven’t

New 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

We’re Glad You Like Us

Thanks to you, we are celebrating 61 years of Business in Oak Harbor with local ownership.

Your patronage and con�dence over the years has made itpossible for us to be Whidbey’s Best Furniture Store

and Mattress Center.

Thanks, We like you too!

Whidbey FurnitureCelebrating 61 Years of Business

www.whidbeyfurniture.com

75th Anniversary2010-2011 CALENDAR

Historic photos, nostalgic newsarticles and items of interest

about the origins of the Deception Pass Bridge

only $5.00360-675-6611

Call the Whidbey News-Times O� ce or stop by to get yours while supplies last!


SEE CUT, PG. 9

BY NATHAN WHALEN | STAFF REPORTER

While several businesses in Oak Harbor have gone under during these tough times, one long-standing busi-ness in downtown expanded.

Carla Dozier, owner of Carla’s Shear Inspiration, started a skin care studio last May on the second fl oor of its Bayshore Drive location. She has two rooms in a recently renovated space for staff to offer customers fa-cials in a quiet, relaxed setting where guests enjoy tranquil music and pic-turesque views of the harbor and, on a clear day, Mount Ranier.

In addition, she has developed a de-voted clientele in her nearly 30 years of business. Her customers are so faithful, in fact, that they named Car-la’s Shear Inspiration as the best place to get a haircut and the second best hair salon overall in the 2010 Best of Whidbey competition organized by the Whidbey News-Times.

Dozier said that despite the current economic times, her staff assures suc-cess by making sure their customers have an enjoyable experience.

“We try to make them feel really comfortable,” Dozier said.

Carla’s Shear Inspiration employs 13 people and her business offers facials, manicures, pedicures and haircuts.

She noted her business is a bit un-usual for hair salons. In a business where many salons lease booth space to stylists, Dozier said hers is differ-ent because her staff are employees.

“In order to maintain a professional environment, you have to maintain some sort of control,” Dozier said.

Dozier started working as a hair-stylist when she was only 16 years of age. In 1981 she opened Carla’s

A haircut with Shear Inspiration

Nathan Whalen/ Whidbey News-Times

The employees of Carla’s Shear Inspiration are a reason it’s been mentioned fre-quently in the Best of Whidbey contests over the years. From left are Nancy Van Dam, Lacey Lang, Carla Dozier, Val Bryant, Bethany Hazelin, Susan Baza, Teresa Uribe, Laura Crendall, Julia Kellogg and Kirsten Laney.

Voted Best Mortgage Lender

� ank you so much for the opportunity to be of service…

Your trust, friendship, and business are important to me.

With heartfelt appreciation,Lyn

Lyn BankowskiAssistant Vice President

Senior Mortgage Loan Originator

O� ce: (360) 679-9755Direct: (360) 679-5633Cell: (360) 969-5550

[email protected]

PEOPLE YOU KNOW. A NAME YOU CAN TRUST.

APPLY ONLINE 24/7 www.lynbankowski.com

I became an Edward Jones �nancial advisor because I wanted to be part of a �rm that truly puts its clients’ needs �rst. I believe our long-term investment philosophy, conveniently located of�ces and personal face-to-face approach show our commitment to helping the people in the communities we serve every single day.

On behalf of Edward Jones and my branch of�ce, it gives me great pride to have been named Best Financial Planning by “The Best of Whidbey.” This recognition wouldn’t have been possible without your support, andfor that I’m grateful.

Scott Dudley, AAMS®Financial Advisor

32650 Sr 20 Suite C-101Oak Harbor, WA 98277360-679-2527

I’M GRATEFUL FOR THESUPPORT OF MY COMMUNITY.

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Thank you to our customers for voting

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Oak Harbor33185 SR 20279-8899

Freeland1804 E. Scott Rd.

331-8899


CUT, FROM PG. 8

Nathan Whalen/staf f photo

Carla’s Inspiration owner Carla Dozier snips the hair of Connie Sullivan, who has been a custom-er for nearly 30 years. Dozier’s business was named “Best place to get a haircut” in the 2010 Best of Whidbey contest.The shop recently expanded its skin care studio by moving it to the second floor.

We’dLike To

Make OneMore

NominationFor ‘‘The Best Of

Whidbey.’’Our

Customers.

www.wibank.com

Client: Whidbey Island BankPub: Best Of WhidbeyAd: Nomination Live: 8.333" x 12.5"Trim: N/ABleed: N/A

Shear Inspiration, which was then lo-cated in Old Town Mall on Pioneer Way in downtown Oak Harbor. Her business

then had fi ve chairs but outgrew that space fi ve years later and she moved to its current home on Bayshore Drive.

Recently, after the United Way of Island County moved several blocks away, Dozier, who also owns the building, decided to renovate the second fl oor space to expand her skin care studio. She thanked her family for their help in com-pleting the renovations.

“What I’m really proud of is reinvesting in this business and in Oak Har-bor,” Dozier said. In 2011, her business will celebrate 30 years.

Carla’s Shear Inspiration has been an award winner in previous years of the Best of Whidbey contest. Last year, the business was named second best hair salon.

In 2010, the popular hair salon earned best haircut and fi nished ahead of Artisiano’s and Posh Salon. It also earned second best beauty salon, fi nishing behind Artisiano’s and ahead of Seaside Spa and Salon.

Carla’s Shear Inspiration is located at 830 SE Bayshore Dr. in Oak Harbor. It is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thurs-day, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sunday and Monday. For more information, call 679-4477.

Thank You to our loyal customersfor all of your support and votes!

360-675-2754 Mon-Fri 8am -5pm, Closed Sat & Sun 152 NE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor

Martin’sAUTO ELECTRIC, L.L.C.

®

Martin’sVoted “Best Place To Get Your Car Fixed”

Come see us on Oak Harbor’s Other Main Street!Your Family Owned & Operated Full Service Auto Repair Shop Since 1959


BY JUSTIN BURNETT | STAFF REPORTERFor the fourth time in 10 years, Whidbey News-

Times readers have named Oak Harbor Motors the best new car dealership on Whidbey Island.

Readers responded to the newspaper’s annual contest by online survey and made it clear that the dealership is their top pick when shopping for a new ride anywhere on the island.

Admittedly, the list was much smaller than in years past. At the time of the survey, the dealer-ship’s only competition was Slowik Motors and Whidbey Island Auto Group, LLC, more common-ly known as Whidbey Island Volkswagen Mazda. It closed its doors July 30, following in the footsteps of Whidbey Island Ford and Frontier Chevrolet, both of which folded over the past two years.

While Oak Harbor Motors remains the last hold-out, owners Mike and Cathy Horrobin maintain that they aren’t going anywhere. With their fi ve-year plan in place, and having already made many of the tough but necessary decisions, they are here to stay. They believe they can not only do just that, but that it’s also the right thing to do.

“We’ve made a commitment to our people,”

Page 10 Best of Whidbey | Saturday, July 18, 2009

Whidbey’s last new car dealer is its best

Justin Burnet t / Whidbey News-Times

Mike and Cathy Horrobin, owners of Oak Harbor Motors, hold a framed copy of the 1979 Whidbey News-Times cover story detailing their purchase of the dealership. It is now the only new car dealership left onWhidbey Island..

SEE MOTORS, PAGE 11

How it plans to roll into the future

T hank You!

T hank You!

Mike Horrobin said. “You have to.”“Our employees mean a lot to us,”

Cathy Horrobin said.The Horrobins have owned and

operated the dealership for the past 31 years. Its longevity is really no surprise when you consider who is at the helm. Growing up in Pasco of the Tri-Cities area, the duo make an awe-some business team. You could chalk that up to them being high school sweethearts.

But selling cars is also in their blood. Mike Horrobin grew up run-ning around his father’s dealership in Pasco, and his grandfather was selling cars in Seattle as early as 1935. While

he initially fought against follow-ing in their footsteps, making a brief foray into the banking business, it wasn’t long before he was selling cars in the Seattle area like his grandfather before him.

To get away from the city, the Hor-robins and their two children moved to Oak Harbor and purchased the dealership from Eddie Bowyn in 1979. A lot has changed since then.

New cars no longer sell for just a few thousands dollars, and a large portion of their sales is generated

GERRY OLIVER“Go With Go”(360) [email protected]

Thanks for Voting meWhidbey’s Best Realtor!


MOTORS, FROM PAGE 10from online buyers. Just last month, a car was shipped to a customer in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The industry as a whole is also un-dergoing unprecedented strain.

According to a February press release from Detroit-based Urban Science, a consulting fi rm that tracks foreign and domestic dealerships statistics, the nationwide dealership count for the year fell by 1,603, or 8 percent, to 18,481. The decline was double the 2008 record of 881 deal-ers, which was the largest since 1991 when data was fi rst collected, the re-lease said.

It went on to say the numbers were mostly a result of automakers tak-ing proactive action to reduce dealer count, with GM and Chrysler ac-counting for approximately 90 per-cent of the consolidation.

In May 2009, 800 Chrysler dealer-ships got franchise cancelation no-tices. Oak Harbor Motors, which sells new Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep auto-mobiles, was spared mainly because of its good reputation, according to Mike Horrobin.

However, there is no doubt the island’s last new car dealership has experienced its fair share of fi nan-cial troubles. In 2005, the Horrobins grossed $13.5 million in sales. That fell to $11.3 million in 2006, $11 mil-lion in 2007, and $10 million in 2008. Ten million in sales is not too shabby, said Mike Horrobin, but revenues plummeted again in 2009 to just $8.5 million.

“When that happens, you have to make adjustments,” he said. “You have no choice.”

The Horrobins are around the offi ce a lot more these days doing the jobs once held by other employees. They are also careful about borrowing. Much of the dealerships inventory

is purchased with existing currency, rather than with loans from banks. The concept is simple, Cathy Hor-robin said: Don’t overspend.

“Don’t take home the profi ts, rather invest it back into the dealership,” she said.

Adjusting to market and consumer changes is also key. For example, Mike Horrobin said used car sales are currently the “bread and butter” of the dealership, with 38 sold just last month. Facilitating and meeting that demand is just good business, he said.

However, statistics from the state Department of Revenue indicate that used car dealers in Oak Harbor are struggling as well. In 2006, they grossed a total of $12.19 million in sales. That fi gure dropped by a stag-gering 85 percent over the next three years to just $1.82 million in 2009. During the same time period, new car sales fell from $17.18 million in 2006 to $13.68 million in 2009.

Collectively, the drop represents more than just a drop in the bucket to city coffers. In 2006, the combined industries brought in $249,624 in sales tax revenue for Oak Harbor. By 2009, the number had decreased to $131,805.

According to Sharon Hart, execu-tive director for the Island County Economic Development Council, the loss of jobs is painful as well. With 75 percent of all businesses in Island County employing eight or fewer people, new car dealerships are con-sidered large-scale employers. Oak Harbor Motors currently employs 26 employees, and the Volkswagen Mazda dealership employed 20.

“It’s really hard to back fi ll those kinds of employers,” Hart said.

Some of those employees have been hired on by the Horrobins, however. As new car sales continue to struggle, they are investing in mechanics that can service makes of vehicles once sold by their competi-

tors. That not only allows them to capture local business that may have otherwise gone off island, but skilled workers are valuable assets.

“Not everyone can be a good mechanic,” Cathy

Horrobin said.The Horrobins are considering

other means of improving their bottom line as well, from carrying some of the brands once offered by their competitors to expanding car-

care services offered at the dealership. Whatever the future brings, the plan is to continue serving a community that has supported them for more than 30 years.

“We are very cognizant and thankful to our community,” Cathy Horrobin said. “They’ve given us a good life.”

Justin Burnet t / Whidbey News-Times

For the fourth time in 10 years, Whid-bey News-Times readers have named Oak Harbor Motors the best new car dealership on Whidbey Island.

Thank you for voting me THE BEST OF WHIDBEY.

It has been a pleasure serving our community for the last 12 years.

Bayshore Chiropractic REGENCY ON WHIDBEYRETIREMENT & ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

Thank YouFor Voting UsBest Of Whidbey

The Premier Senior Living Destination


Best ChiropractorBayshore ChiropracticSchi� man ChiropracticIsland Chiropractic

Best Customer ServiceLes Schwab Tire CenterCascade Insurance AgencyAlbertson’s

Best Automotive RepairMartin’s Auto ElectricJack’s Auto RepairMidway Tire & Mu� er

Best DentistDr. KeyesDr. BernerDr Kallander

Best DoctorDr. Douglas LangrockDr. Christopher BibbyDr. Deborah Bibby

Best Bank/Credit UnionWhidbey Island BankAlaska USA Federal Credit UnionNavy Federal Credit Union

Best Financial Planning/Investment FirmEdward Jones – Scott DudleyCook Wealth Manage-mentEdward Jones – Je� Pleet, Edward Jones – Gene Barner (tie)

Best OptometristDr. Gaustad – Whidbey Vision CareVan Cleve OpticalDr. Burge

Best Place to Buy GasSafewayCenex – Skagit Farm-er’s SupplyAM/PM

Best Mortgage LenderLyn Bankowski, Alaska USA Mortgage Co.Karen Hu� , Guild Mort-gageBanner Bank

Best Insurance AgentShelli Trumbull at Cas-cade InsuranceAllstate, Iverson AgencySteve Richardson Insur-ance

Best Pet Groomer Heather’s Pet Groom-ingHead to Tails GroomingWatch Dawg Grooming

Best LodgingThe Coachman InnBest WesternCandlewood Suites

Best Massage TherapistSooz Konopik at Sea-side Spa & SalonPam AragonCarolyn Brady

Best Real Estate AgentGerry Oliver, Coldwell Banker TaraPropertiesKathi PhillipsBethany Lamb

Best Retirement CenterRegency on WhidbeySummer HillCareage of Whidbey

Best VeterinarianDr. Anderson, Best Friends Veterinary CenterDr. Mangiamelli, North Whidbey Dr. Gusta� son, Penn Cove

ARTISIANOS SALON

Thank you for voting us

BEST BEAUTY SALON!

791 SE Fidalgo Ave #202 Oak Harbor

360-679-1684

Happy Hour

*Offered in the entire dining room

360-679-6100

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ʻ̒ ʻ̒

Mark Brown, Island County Sheriff

I like to be a sheriff who’s very open to the public and accessible to the public. It’s a pretty important part of my job.

SERVICES

ʻ̒ʻ̒

According toone voter

the “Best placeto get a tattoo”is “My buddy’s

garage” anothersaid “Right Cheek.”

FunniestVoters

Comments

Continued on page 13


WHIDBEY ASPECTS “Best place to dance” keeps

the beats thumpin’...Lava Lounge in Oak HarborTwo years in a row, according to our online voters.

Best place to dance...

in my living roomʻ̒ ʻ̒

FunniestVoters

Comments

Best Landscaping BusinessPioneer Tree Service & LandscapingThree Men & A MowerJason’s Lawncare

Best Golf CourseGallery Golf CourseWhidbey Golf & Coun-try ClubLamm’s Links

Best Place to TanWhidbey TropicsDesert SunJ-Sun’s

Best place to take a walkCity Beach Fort EbeyWest Beach

Best Historic BuildingFt CaseyEbey’s Ferry HouseThe Roller Barn

Best EventHolland HappeningOld Fashioned 4th of JulyCoupeville Arts & Crafts Festival

Best ParkCity BeachDeception PassFort Nugent

Best Place to Watch a SunsetWest BeachDeception Pass State ParkCity Beach/Windjam-mer Park

Best Bike RouteThe Kettles TrailsWindjammer Park/City BeachFort Ebey

RECREATION

SERVICES

Best BirdwatchingCrockett LakeFreund PondWest Beach

Best Place to go CampingDeception Pass State ParkFort EbeyFort Casey

Best Crabbing SpotCornet BayCrescent HarborOak Harbor Bay

Best BeachWest BeachCity Beach/Windjam-mer ParkRocky Point

Best Place to FishDeception PassCranberry LakeKeystone

WHIDBEY ASPECTS

The vote for “Best Event” on Whidbey Island is always a tough choice with so many wonderful picnics, festivals and community gatherings. Your favorites again this year: Holland Happening (First Place) followed closely by the Old Fashioned Fourth of July.

THANKS!To everyone who logged on to

www.whidbeynewstimes.com and votedfor “The Best of Whidbey.”


Thanks for Voting usBest of Whidbeythe last 3 years – 2008, 2009, & 2010

Proudly serving Whidbey Island for 51 years

Many exciting new things are happening at Gerald’s.Stop in and see our new look!

We’re Proud To Be Your #1 Choice For Pizza!We’re Proud To Be Your #1 Choice For Pizza!

‘00, ‘01, ‘02, ‘03, ‘05, ‘06, ‘07, ‘08, ‘09, and again in 2010!

‘00, ‘01, ‘02, ‘03, ‘05, ‘06, ‘07, ‘08, ‘09, and again in 2010!

SEE SHADY, PG. 15

Shady Ladies attract antique followingBY JESSIE STENSLAND | STAFF REPORTER

The antique store that was chosen by voters as the best of North and Cen-tral Whidbey is certainly also the biggest and the most jam-packed of all such businesses on the island.

Owners Patty Henderson and Barbara Bourg moved their antique and col-lectables shop, the Shady Ladies, from Pioneer Way to a large space on Bay-shore Drive two years ago. The location next to the Department of Licensing Offi ce is not as visible, but it hasn’t deterred their customers.

“A lot of people come down from Canada just to see us,” Bourg said.

Jessie Stensland/ Whidbey News-Times

The Shady Ladies Antique and Collectibles shop has a large amount of china and glassware from different eras.

And there’s a lot to see — and buy. The 2,500 square feet or so of space is fi lled with a smorgasbord of items that span the decades. The treasures include fi gurines, cookie jars, hats, clocks, paintings, china, glassware and decora-tions of all sorts. Perhaps the most unusual item is a mounted goat head with a taped-on ear that Henderson proposed naming “Van Goat.”

Henderson said people tend to think of the store as being fi lled with glass-ware, but there’s actually more than 80 pieces of furniture for sale underneath all the other items.

The antique business, the women say, has been different since the recession hit. There are no defi nite trends to what people are looking for anymore. People

“A lot of people come down from Canada just to see us,” Bourg said.


Oak Harbor - 230 SE Pioneer Way360-675-6688 | 800-378-6688

Clinton - Ken’s Korner Shopping Plaza360-341-3880

THANKS, FOR VOTING US Best Place to Buy a Gift

and Best Pharmacy!

|

Best Friends Veterinary

Center

Voted “Best Veterinarian”

Dr. Anderson

Thank you to our great customers for voting us

BEST VET... again!


Barbara Bourg, left, and Patty Henderson own the Shady Ladies, an Oak Harbor antique store that offers shoppers hours of browsing pleasure.

SHADY, FROM PG. 14are still spending, but they are more cautious.

“We try really hard to price according to the economy,” Henderson said.

The women say they’re glad to see a lot of young people shopping at the store. Some are drawn by the perennial lure of vintage costume jewelry, and others have come to realize that antiques are often better quality than items made nowadays. A young mother even came in recently and bought a wash-board because her washer broke down.

The merchandise in the store is ever-changing, as it’s supplied by a dozen dealers who rent space. Henderson and Bourg also offer their own antiques and collectables; some of it comes from people who walk in the door and have something interest-ing to sell.

A group of people started the store 18 years ago at a Pioneer Way storefront as the Oak Harbor Antique Mall. Over the years it “transitioned” to Shady Ladies, Henderson said, and was located at Old Town Mall for about eight years before moving to the larger space.

The Shady Ladies invite everyone to come in and browse. But be warned. The collecting of antiques can be addictive.

“It gets in your blood,” Henderson said. “I grew up with it. I was raised by my grandparents, so I grew up with antiques and antique people.”


Collectable Mickey Mouse figures are among the treasures at the store.

www.whidbeycoffee.comTwo Drive-Thru Locations in Oak Harbor: 980 SE Pioneer Way & 31275 SR 20Whidbey Coffee Is Also Available At: Safeway, Prairie Center & Navy Exchange

Since 1989 Our commitment

to quality is as strong as our island roots.

www.whidbeycoffee.com

Thank you Whidbey Islandfor voting us best coffee shopfor 4 years in a row!

Thank you, for showing us how much you appreciate us by not only voting us the best coffee shop for four years running but by also recognizing Leah and Hilary as Whidbey Island’s Best Baristas.

We have some great things in store. We look forward to the coming months when we will have the opportunity to share a beautiful new drive up and sit down cafe with the community.

And keep a look out for much more excitement to come.

Documents

The Best of Whidbey 2010