Spotlights

Moon Valley Organics

Creating Moon Valley Organics was the realization of a dream for farmer, Aaron Otto and herbalist, Kim Denend.  Together, they’ve grown their business and indeed their life around the holistic philosophy to live ‘ethically and sustainably’.

On their Deming, WA farm where they raise livestock and honey bees (the source of their pollen, honey and beeswax candles), they also organically grow the majority of herbs used in their USDA certified organic, 100% natural, skin care products.  In collaboration with Dr. Daniel Newman, MD, ND, and DOM, and other licensed herbalists, Moon Valley has developed exciting organic cleansers, soaps and salves. From blackberry honey to muscle rub, all of their products are intended to “nourish and heal your body, mind, and spirit, as well as to care for the Earth”.  Moon Valley truly is an ‘Herbal Farmacy’.

Their customers’ testimonials speak to the quality and effectiveness of their products.  Their story inspires and is one of true dedication, deserving of admiration.  We do admire and thank Moon Valley as well as celebrate and applaud their growth and success.

Originally recruited to help them with QuickBooks, Kim said their relationship with Chris naturally led into him consulting them on issues such as budgeting, forecasting and report analysis.  What they really appreciated though, Kim said, was that Chris introduced them to operating ‘lean’.  They’re now looking forward to sharing ‘alternative options’ to the ‘larger community’ as national distribution is on their horizon.

Moon Valley Organic products are available online, from local Northwest distributors and at Seattle’s Pike Place Market.  Click HERE to watch a video about Aaron and Kim’s amazing journey.

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Lummi Gateway Center

Founded on a ‘hand-up, not hand-out’ philosophy, Lummi Gateway Center (LGC)’s Melanie Solomon says their goal is to ‘intensely support’ Lummi tribal small business start-ups.  She explains tribal businesses are “[those] opened by individual tribal members, not businesses created by the tribe.”  “The intent,” says Melanie “is that they will grow out of the LGC and into their own space.”  Described by Tami Eastwood, LGC’s Finance and Grant Manager, as a “unique business incubator,” the supportive and nurturing environment provided within this ‘micro-enterprise center’, gives tribal small business entrepreneurs a much better chance to succeed.

Lummi Gateway Center is investing in their community and helping grow the private sector business anyway they can.  It is our privilege to come alongside them and support their efforts.

In preparation of their 2012 opening, LGC enlisted Chris’ help to set-up, provide training, and trouble-shoot their Point-Of-Sale system.  A tremendous working relationship developed and continues.

Fantastic fresh seafood, authentic native arts and crafts, a café serving homemade soup (made daily from scratch!) and seasonal events like the 2nd Annual Coast Salish Winter Festival, make the Lummi Gateway Center a literal portal connecting ‘non-Indian communities’ with the Lummi Nation.  Visit them in Ferndale, just off I-5 at Exit 260 (map).

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Backcountry Essentials

With a mantra “Gear Up. Go Play”, Bellingham’s Backcountry Essentials has made optimizing your outdoor experience their mission.  This outdoor specialty shop actively educates and supports the local community through seminars, workshops, events and sponsorship.

Not only are they the outdoor sports community’s ‘gathering place’, they also sell world class hiking, climbing and skiing gear.  They offer new and used merchandise, expert ski boot fitting services and they are also excited to have expanded their shop services with a new ski tune machine.  BCE frequently features brand overstocks and samples.

We are proud to be working with owners Chris and Erica Gerston and appreciate being able to help them maximize their QuickBooks Point of Sale software.

Much like they recognize the value of expertise in their own industry, Erica made comment that, “first and foremost we appreciate having a QB POS expert available locally.”  Further, with Chris’ thorough, knowledgeable and patient approach, she added, “at each meeting we accomplish a lot.”

Invaluable resources are waiting for you at their website, backcountryessentials.net or at their 214 W. Holly Street shop.

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