Small Business of the Month, presented by Commencement Bank

January’s Commencement Bank Small Business of the Month is Board & Brush Creative Studio Bonney Lake – a DIY creative studio offering instructor-led workshops for a night out or memorable event. Guests have the opportunity to customize personalized pieces of art.

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Our February Commencement Bank Small Business of The Month is Off Day Beer and Wine! Stop by Off Day and make the most of your down time with their favorite fun-fuels available on draft or in bottles and cans.

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March’s Commencement Bank Small Business of The Month is Young Hearts Therapeutic Riding! Located in Lake Tapps, they’re dedicated to providing individualized therapy for riders of all ages and abilities through powerful equine connections.

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April’s Commencement Bank Small Business of the Month is Tilladelse! They are a balanced agency of creative aesthetics and savvy marketing that produces real-world results.

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May’s Commencement Bank Small Business of the Month is Peaks and Pints in Proctor. They strive to create a space where friends and fellow beer enthusiasts can gather and enjoy the widest selection of beer and cider.

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June’s Commencement Bank Small Business of the Month is Bayview Building Materials! They have been a family owned and operated business from its start in 1952. Bayview is a full-service lumber yard that can provide materials for new construction, remodels, and additions.

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R July Commencement Bank Small Business of The Month is Elskan Designs! Elskan Designs is proud to offer unique, custom and quality handmade goods for all the babies in your life.

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August’s Commencement Bank Small Business of the Month is The Parlor – Tacoma’s Premiere Salon for Hairstyling and Skincare. They believe in hospitality and having genuine care for each other and each of their guests.

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September’s Commencement Bank Small Business of the Month is Tacoma Trophy! They have a large selection in their Lakewood showroom, no minimum order requirements, no per-letter engraving charges, and the latest equipment and skilled team to transform your ideas into products you’ll be proud to present or display.

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October’s Commencement Bank Small Business of the Month is Corina Bakery! Stop by Tacoma’s Award-Winning Bakery for everything from irresistible scones and muffins to sumptuous pies, cheesecakes and couture wedding cakes. All made the old fashioned way; from scratch.

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November’s Commencement Bank Small Business of the Month is Mosaic Real Estate! Looking for a new place in 2023? Contact one of their amazing agents today.

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Pacific Integrated Handling has been in business since 1981 and has a great management team and solid reputation in the industry.  The company specializes in in the design and installation of custom storage & retrieval systems as-well-as the design & manufacturing of custom aluminum framing assemblies. For over 30 years PIH has been helping their customers achieve greater efficiency, safety and utilization of equipment & labor. Visit Website

Video via Seattle Refined:

About Calm & Cure Candle Co: Uzziah Campbell is an 11 year old who, during the outbreak of COVID-19, had a vision of helping those experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, grief and other illnesses caused by the pandemic. Soon after, he witnessed the death of George Floyd, and several incidents surrounding this injustice. After attending a protest, he decided that he wanted to “calm” the world by bringing light into people’s anxious and fear-ridden dark places.

He felt that candles were the answer because he watched his mother, who was diagnosed with PTSD after 8 years of working in Law Enforcement, use candles, essential oils and other supplements to ease her anxiety and depression symptoms. “She often used essentials oils, aromatherapy and candles to help her relax, stay calm and sleep. She just seemed happier. The light, and the scent, made her feel better,” Uzziah said. He first started making candles to burn at home for his mother, when he finished with home school. He then made candles to send to friends and family. The feedback he received encouraged him to give his candles a name, and start his own company.

In June of 2020, one month after founding his company, Uzziah made a philanthropic contribution of his candles to medical frontline workers and scientific researchers working on a diagnosis, treatment and cure of Covid-19, in Seattle, Washington. He’s a normal kid who loves playing video games and sports. He also has a passion for making other people happy.

As the owner and founder of Calm & Cure Candle Co., LLC, established May 7, 2020, Uzziah hopes to be known throughout the world for bringing calm and effecting change. Visit Website

Ascendent, LLC is a demolition contractor headquartered in Pierce County that focuses on demolition for small-to-large projects.  They are currently the demolition contractor for the Washington Building in downtown Tacoma and have an excellent reputation in their industry.  They are known for their quality of work and excellent customer service. Visit Website.

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Outdoor Escapes, LLC is a boutique landscaper that does design and construction (hardscaping). They offer the full spectrum of landscape services ranging from conceptualization to installation for residential properties. Services include patios, water features, pathways, arbors, pergolas and retaining walls. Another part of their business is maintenance and upkeep. They have contracts for ongoing maintenance. The owner members are Troy Johnson and Joe Schelbert, each owning 50% of the company. Both are native to the Puget Sound area and possess extensive knowledge of the landscaping challenges in our region. Together, they have over 60 years of landscape design and hardscaping experience. Mr. Johnson is the design specialist and Joe manages the hardscaping projects. Visit Website.

At Grit City Chiropractic, our greater purpose is to bring positive, honest, wellness care to the greater Tacoma community by serving up principled chiropractic. We believe that by allowing the body to adapt, self-heal, and optimally function, each Grit City practice member can live a fuller life – making Tacoma an even better place to live! Visit Website.

Family owned and in business since 1977, Warfield Masonry is the South Sound’s premier commercial masonry contractor. Based in Tacoma, they serve South King County, Pierce County, Mason County, Thurston County, Kitsap County and Jefferson County. Warfield Masonry is known regionally for their superior craftsmanship, top-of-the line materials and work that is completed within budget, and on time. Visit Website

Step-by-Step’s mission is to transform the lives of at-risk pregnant women, so they will deliver healthy babies, embrace positive parenting, and establish safe homes and secure futures.  They work with women on parenting and life skills, housing, pediatric and neonatal care, and support. Visit Website

Jeff Jensen is a Tacoma Pierce County native and an alumnus of The University of Puget Sound. After working in furniture and design for a few years, Jensen decided to start his own business and become a Real Estate agent. 10 years later he became a broker and started Windermere Professional Partners with a partner, which led to opening five branches and employed over 200 agents. Jensen sold his interest in that company and has ventured out and built his own Real Estate Team, Jeff Jensen Homes. After 29 years as a realtor in the community where he grew up, his name is synonymous with quality representation, premiere service, and trusted experience. On a personal note, Jensen resides in Gig Harbor and has two grown daughters who keep him very busy. Visit Website

October’s Commencement Bank Winner is Johnson Candy Company. Johnson Candy Company has been serving the Tacoma community since 1925. Three generations of candy making prove a strong history of old-fashioned chocolates, lovingly handmade, right here in Tacoma.

Learn more at johnsoncandyco.com

November’s Commencement Bank Winner is Pacific Sportswear. Pacific Sportswear has been meeting the contract screen printing needs for the Pacific Northwest’s fashion apparel industry, sports apparel manufacturers and promotional products distributors for over 35 years. Pacific Sportswear’s commitment to excellence has enabled their customers to thrive in their demanding marketplaces.

Learn more at pacificsportswear.com

The December Commencement Bank Winner is Paper Luxe Stationery and Gift. Paper Luxe is a gift and greeting card store filled with beautiful, unique gifts and goods for all of life’s occasions. Paper Luxe is in Fircrest, right next door to sister shops The Crest Home and The Curious Bear Toy & Book Shop and just recently opened up a second location in Gig Harbor along with newest sister shop, Little Luxe Baby. Learn more at paper-luxe.com.

Equipment Experts is a fleet maintenance company that services other companies’ trucks, forklifts, and heavy equipment in the field or in the shop. They’re committed to providing their customers with superior service so they can focus on their business without having to worry about their fleet! Visit Website

“They helped my family find the home of our dreams, sell our previous home, and provided amazing customer service along the way.  Nick Lind and his staff are top notch Tacomans!” -Sam Benscoter. Visit Website

Per Commencement Bank: We chose Koelsch Senior Communities because of their commitment to excellence and safety standards during these challenging times.  As the global outbreak of COVID-19 continues to unfold, Koelsch Senior Communities is focused on the health and safety of their residents and team members. They take their responsibility to support seniors and their families seriously, and are especially committed to continuing to do so during this time.  With 60 years of signature service to families, Koelsch Senior Communities is proud to remain family owned and operated for three generations. Their continued success is compelled by their founding principles as they strive to serve their residents with respect, dignity, and compassion and like to say “We are ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen.” Visit Website

T Town Trading Co. epitomizes Tacoma. When anyone in the 253 thinks of ultimate Tacoma gear, two places come to mind: WeRTacoma and the T Town store. Everything about small business Tacoma is embodied in T Town. Pat and Gail Ringrose have been a staple of Tacoma swag for more than a decade. And not only do they supply Tacomans with great grit city attire, they give back to community, especially other small businesses. When COVID hit, they did a t-shirt campaign with local business logos and the proceeds went back to those businesses when they were hit hard. Especially noteworthy was the campaign they did for Spud’s Pizza, a longstanding Tacoma staple, when David Almonte, one of the owners, unexpectedly passed away right at the beginning of this pandemic. If you truly want to recognize the best of small business Tacoma, you must put T Town on the list! Visit Website

Valentine Roofing has an excellent reputation in the Puget Sound area for providing great service, quality products, and fair pricing on their roofing products and installation.  They are growing quickly and always go the extra mile when providing services to their customers. Visit Website

Nomination: They are the taste of home. I grew up always excited to get that for dinner when I could – it was better than going out to eat. I would ask my mom after school on Friday… it was the best. And every single family member enjoyed it just as much as I did. When I grew up, moved away for school, within the first day of coming back to Tacoma, I would make a stop to grab my fave Deli Club.

MSM Deli is a staple in our Tacoma community. It’s a single restaurant and not a chain that employs some of the hardest working and kindest people you’ll ever meet. They remember your face, name and order, and although that makes me feel special, I know they do that every regular customer. They represent everything that I love about Tacoma. Without MSM, something would have been missing in my childhood. Food creates community. And there is not a single Tacoman who doesn’t LOVE MSM. They’re a part of the DNA of Tacoma, R Family… They deserve to be honored. Visit MSM Deli’s Facebook page

via EveryMan’s Pocket EDC Shop: Our mission is to build and create an awesome selection of EDC “Every Day Carry” gear for enthusiasts to both use and collect.

Our shop launched in mid-September. Our initial product collaboration with Nemo Knives the Slender Man OTF has seen a building following.  We are proud to continue to roll out new products in this line. Our Warrencliff version Slender man OTF is in the works, and limited edition are both nearly here.

Other awesome gear is also on the way. Soon we will have a few EDC tool offerings, and a folding knife collaborations is in the works named the “Nymble.”

Curating unique, quality, and affordable EDC equipment. EDC = Every Day Carry. The items in one’s pockets, like a pen, or pocket knife, a watch, or wallet. May be tactical or low key for function only.

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“They donate a lot of time and energy to helping homeless dogs and their humans, helping people and elderly with dog medical expenses, rescue and fundraising for local emergencies. They also offer great service in store – Joanne Jones”