New marketing efforts promote C-W businesses

Even on cloudy, rainy days, Robert Guetter maintains a summer state of mind. "I'm just trying to make my little spot of sunshine," he said. As the co-owner of The Puffin Cafe with his wife Jennifer, Robert Guetter is optimistic about the waterfront restaurant's offseason. "It looks like the economy is getting better because we are getting inquiries for Christmas parties from companies and families," he said. The Puffin Cafe, located near the Port of Camas-Washougal marina at 24 S. "A" St., in Washougal, is among the local businesses included on the "101 Things To Do in Camas & Washougal" list. The suggestions, offered by C-W Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Brent Erickson and Executive Assistant Chandra Chase, include shopping, dining and parks information. "We took into account what we get asked about and tried to make a comprehensive list of things to do," Chase said. "I created and modeled it after a brochure I found from a small town in Ireland's chamber brochure. "That brochure - where they broke it up in categories - was very useful in planning my trip there." Robert Guetter is happy to have his restaurant included on the 101 list and hopes it will increase awareness for local residents as well as folks traveling from afar. "That's why I joined the chamber," he said. "They are great people, and this is a great community." Other ideas on the 101 list include hitting a bucket of balls at Camas Meadows and Orchard Hills golf clubs, shopping at the Pendleton Woolen Mills Outlet, hiking the Lacamas Creek Trail, eating breakfast at Natalia's Cafe and reserving the jacuzzi room at the Best Western Parkersville Inn. Additional suggestions are to get pampered at Salon Magnolia, shop at LJC Feed, see local art in the Second Story Gallery at the Camas Public Library, eat stone fire pizza at Hearth Wood Oven Bistro and spend the night in the Camas Hotel. For more information, call the chamber at 834-2472 or check the "Visitors info./Recreation" heading on its website at www.cwchamber.com. Downtown Washougal businesses are featured Another recent source of information was created by Suzanne Bachelder, the parks, cemetery and building facilities manager for the city of Washougal. The "Tunnel to Tummy" brochure features a map and listing of 15 businesses located near the pedestrian tunnel that opened this summer near the Pendleton Woolen Mills at Two Pendleton Way. The tunnel links Pendleton Way to Steamboat Landing. The restaurants and shops in the brochure are described as "easy 5 minute walks to dine or snack." They include SweetFire Barbecue, located at 2131 Main St. "It's a good idea for people who are new to the area," said SweetFire owner Dave Russell. "It's good for the local businesses to keep them in business. "It's a fairly tough business market now, and every bit helps," he added. "It shows people what choices they have without having to travel to Vancouver. It helps keep them in the local C-W area. It's always good to promote local businesses. It helps keep the area vital." Russell provides take-out and catered barbecue sandwiches, ribs and chicken wings. SweetFire opened in May. "It's been a bit better than I expected," Russell said. "I need more traffic in order to keep afloat." Other businesses listed in the brochure include Big Foot Inn, Washougal True Value, Heller's Restaurant, Washougal Food Center and Los Dos Compadres. The free "Tunnel to Tummy" brochures can be picked up at Washougal City Hall, 1701 "C" St. For more information, call 835-8501.

Related Stories