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Building Industry Association Honors Builder, Remodeler Of The Year

OLYMPIA, WA — The Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) honored its Builder, Associate and Remodeler of the Year members at its Fall Board of Directors meeting on November 12. Fellow BIAW members selected the award recipients based on their significant contributions to BIAW and the home building industry as a whole. The following two Clark County companies were chosen for Builder of the Year and Remodeler of the Year out of almost 8,200 BIAW members all over the state of Washington. 

Tracy Doriot | Builder of the Year

Tracy Doriot of Doriot Construction is an award-winning custom home builder with 43 years in the construction business. ACertified Builder, Doriot has served on the Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIACC)’s board of directors since 2007, holding multiple committee chair positions and serving as president the second half of 2009, 2010 and 2016.  He’s an active recruiter of new members with 521 Spike credits to date. 

Doriot has served on the Cascadia Technical Academy (formerly known as Clark County Skills Center) Construction Technology Advisory Committee since 1996 and has been chair of the board since 2019. He also serves on the board of directors for the Clark County Parks Foundation.

A state leader in the BIAW active in government affairs, Tracy participates in BIAW’s Washington Affordable Housing Council and has served as a senior officer on its Executive Committee since 2019. He was installed as BIAW’s 2021 President at the Fall Board meeting and will lead the organization starting in January.

Dave Myllymaki | Remodeler of the Year

Dave Myllymaki of ReNew Creations, LLC, has served as a BIACC director for five years and is currently BIACC president for 2020 and 2021.

Along with serving as local association president, Myllymaki served as the chair to the BIACC remodeling council for two years. His involvement goes beyond his local association, resulting in Myllymaki receiving National Remodeler of the Month honors from the National Association of Home Builders in 2018.

Myllymaki is also active in his church and works on a variety of community outreach projects. He has also been involved in projects for Camp Hope, Evergreen Habitat for Humanity and the Clark County Fair’s Junior Livestock Auction. 

Builder
www.clarkcountyrelocations.com
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Washougal-Based Startup Aims to Create New Category of Math-Art Software


WASHOUGAL, WA — Software startup Mathaesthetics LLC has released MathPaint, its flagship software application, enabling anyone with a Mac to create amazing art generated by the power and beauty of mathematics.

MathPaint is built for graphic designers who have a need to create abstract, geometric, or fractal illustrations and visual textures. The new software title is also expected to appeal to experimental visual artists, hobbyists, and students.

MathPaint 1.0 is offered through Apple’s Mac App Store. The software’s sale price is $29.99. The App Store entry includes more information about the software, screenshots, and video previews: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mathpaint/id1476765339

The MathPaint home page on the Mathaesthetics website also features more information, screenshots, and a free 10-day demo version of the software:https://mathaesthetics.com/wp/mathpaint/

Connecting With a Virtual Art Community
Although MathPaint was only just released the app has already gained a following online on social media. MathPaint creator Christopher Corbell regularly posts images created with the program on Instagram and other channels. Digital art made with MathPaint has earned follows and “likes” from around the world.

“The images made with MathPaint have gained follows and likes from France, Brazil, Japan, Iran and other places around the world,” said Corbell. “At this time when we’re all isolated by the pandemic it’s really meaningful to see how art can connect us worldwide. There’s a virtual community around hashtags like #generative and #creativecode. Mathematical art has a kind of beauty, like music, which transcends cultures. Its visual forms reflect something in that’s in all of us, in our sense of harmony and our wonder at complexity. Anyone can appreciate these designs even if they don’t regularly do mathematics. That’s really what made me want to create MathPaint – it’s a program powered by math but it isn’t for doing math; it’s for making art. I think this kind of program might be really useful in education as well. It can give students a way to explore mathematics as a creative activity, motivated by wonder or playfulness.” 

Mathaesthetics
www.acreativetwistcorp.com

Introduction to MathPaint Video Tutorial
Mathaesthetics will be delivering MathPaint tutorials on its YouTube channel, accessible from within the application or in any web browser. The initial video tutorial is an introduction to the features of MathPaint, showing its variety of capabilities in action:
https://youtu.be/al-OtRTYxmI

About Mathaesthetics LLC

Founded in the summer of 2020, Mathaesthetics is a Washington limited-liability company based in Washougal. The company’s mission is to explore the intersection of technology and creativity with imaginative software products. Founder Christopher Corbell moved to Washougal in 2019 from nearby Portland. Corbell has worked as a software engineer since 2000 and has also participated in the Portland arts scene as a music composer, producer, and performer.

Mathaesthetics
An example of digital art.
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DCA Honors Local Businesses, Individuals at Annual Awards Ceremony

Camas, WA — Several local businesses attended the annual Downtown Camas Association (DCA) awards event Monday night at the Liberty Theatre. Under the theme “mask-querade” event attendees enjoyed popcorn and drinks while DCA leaders Caroline Mercury, Carrie Schulstad and Shannon Van Horn addressed the experiences of 2020 through a video slideshow, commentary, and awards presentations.

Given the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, some of the award designations were altered for 2020, such as “Help Your Neighbor” and “Phenomenal Pivot.”

The annual events ceremony is an opportunity for local merchants and community supporters to review the successes and challenges of the year, and 2020 was filled with unique hurdles. Businesses endured state mandates that closed some of their operations altogether, altered how they serve customers, and required new rules such as physical distancing and face masks.

”It really does make a difference when we’re all together,” said Schulstad, DCA Executive Director. “Tonight is about you. Yes, we will cover the things the DCA has been doing this year, but the main focus will be celebrating the resiliency and the innovation that our small businesses have shown time and time again in downtown. This has been a very hard year. Having to change a lot and having to change often, having to feel the sting of laying off employees. Having to change the entire way you operate. Trying new things without knowing they will work. Not knowing when all this will end. These are monumental times. Yet somehow our downtown businesses have found the fortitude and the strength to rise up, and find a way.”

Mercury emphasized that Juxtaposition, a high end furniture and home decor store, opened on the eve of state mandated coronavirus business closures.

“Suzanne and her team have been so tenacious and so gracious in continuing to do what needs to be done to operate a business effectively under any circumstances, and who could have imagined these circumstances.”

Mercury mentioned the opening of the Clara Flats apartments on 6th Avenue, and that The Wild Hair, a destination salon, celebrates 30 years in business.

Award Winners

  • Juxtaposition: Best Downtown Space Improvement
  • Lara Blair: Something New in Camas Award.
  • Papermaker Pride: Help Your Neighbor Award
  • Camas Library: Phenomenal Pivot Award
  • Ann Matthews: Downtown Spirit Award
  • Gary Carter: Volunteer Award
  • Salud Wine Bar: Great Growth Award
  • Liberty Theatre: Incredible Innovation Award 
  • Camas Antiques: Creative Marketing Award

The Caffe Piccolo team was recognized for their spirit and support of all downtown Camas events.

DCA
www.acreativetwistcorp.com
DCA
Juxtaposition team.
DCA
DCA Awards
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Herrera Beutler Helps Secure $3 Million Grant For Port of Camas Washougal

$3 million EDA grant comes to Opportunity Zone in Washougal created by Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; estimated to bring 130 new jobs

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today applauded the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant award of $3 million to the Port of Camas-Washougal to help establish an industrial workspace for use by local manufacturing employers.

The EDA grant, targeted to a Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Opportunity Zone, will be matched with $2.5 million in local funds and $1.4 million in state funds, and is expected to create 130 jobs and spur $10.6 million in private investment.

In addition to helping establish the Opportunity Zone in Washougal, Herrera Beutler also partnered with the Port of Camas-Washougal to successfully earn this grant. Her advocacy included this 2019 letter to EDA.

“Yet another reason I supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was because it established Opportunity Zones like the one that’s bringing 130 new jobs and $10 million in private investment to Washougal,” Congresswoman Herrera Beutler said. “Job creation has always been my top priority, so I’m grateful to the Department of Commerce for targeting the tools Congress provided through the 2017 tax cuts bill in support of the Port of Camas-Washougal’s effort to bring more manufacturing jobs here.”

“EDA is proud to support local efforts to improve infrastructure to spur new business growth,” Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development said. “EDA investments in Opportunity Zones enhance the return on investment for business interests and encourage the public/private partnerships critical to driving private investment and new jobs to cities like Washougal.”

Washougal
www.electlarryhoff.com

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Business: Columbia Credit Union Remodeled Homes Tour Goes Virtual

Vancouver, WA —  The Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIA) is hosting the Columbia Credit Union Remodeled Homes Tour as a virtual event this year. The virtual event is also supported by DeWils and Contract Furnishings Mart.

Expert home remodeling advice and inspiration can be found during the virtual format of the tour. The BIA will be releasing videos frequently throughout October 15 and November 1 with topics ranging from bathroom remodels, whole home transformations, advice on choosing cabinetry, flooring trends, and financing remodeling projects. Content will also address common Do-It-Yourself mistakes to avoid, and even a scary Halloween remodeling special. To tune in, subscribe and/or follow the BIA on Youtube, Facebook, and/or Instagram. Videos will also be posted to the BIA’s website at www.RemodeledHomesTour.com. 

Current featured remodelers include: A.C.T. Builders, Bridge City Contracting, Kashas Design Build and ReNew Creations. Educational content provided by the featured remodelers, Columbia Credit Union, DeWils Fine Cabinetry, and Contract Furnishings Mart.

The Building Industry Association (BIA) of Clark County is a non-profit trade association representing the interests of all businesses involved with real estate, land development, homebuilding and construction.

Homes
www.artfuljuxtaposition.com
Homes
Before remodel.
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Adam’s St. Bar & Grill: $250,000 in Flood Losses; City Denies Claim

Camas, WA — Adam’s Street Bar and Grill, a popular destination, has sustained $250,000 in financial losses stemming from the September 18 heavy rains and ensuing floods that wreaked havoc across town, said bar owner Greg Shelby.

“We’ve been down here most every day cleaning up trying to get things done,” said Shelby. “It’s such a big mess, we’ve had to move a lot of things, and at this time we haven’t had any help from any insurance or from the City of Camas, which I don’t think is right. I know there’s negligence on their part.”

He said the city cited a massive downpour and the streets were plugged up, and that there were no open drains on the streets the morning of the floods. The water poured in from the streets and flooded his 2,500 square foot business basement with nearly five feet of water, which damaged major appliances, ruined months of frozen food, equipment, and restaurant supplies.

He said there are many faults in the city’s plumbing system, which he said is ancient. 

“I’ve had the city out here before with minor drainage issues before, which still haven’t been resolved,” he said. “This is all devastating. I stock up on stuff. Our freezers were full, our walk-in was full, my dry storage was full. We had a pallet of paper towels, napkins, toilet paper, everything was ruined. We threw away all our food. I just need to keep cleaning, we had just had the floors all done here. I had great cooking equipment, I had to throw away so much stuff.”

Shelby said his insurance company claim is still in process.

Adams
https://www.lesschwab.com/store/?storeId=714

“The volume of water overwhelmed the capacity of the system with heavy downhill flows,” said claims adjuster Karen Tailman, of Sedgwick, representing the City of Camas in a letter to Adam’s. “This was not simply a matter of the catch basins overflowing, but of surface water cascading down the roadway and collecting to the lowest point.

“Accordingly, we find no evidence of negligence on the part of the City of Camas that caused or contributed to your loss, it was simply an act of nature.”

The adjuster said the city crew work was halted between September 7 and September 17 due to the unhealthy smoke conditions stemming from the Oregon wildfires.

Shelby is fighting back and has hired an attorney to handle the case. They are citing a May Downtown Camas Infrastructure Analysis by McKay Esposito that called out drainage and ponding issues throughout downtown Camas, particularly on 4th Avenue. 

The report said “based on interviews with the City staff, several streets were identified as having ponding issues. One cause described was root intrusion into many sanitary sewer lines, especially along 4th Avenue. It is recommended that the lines be video inspected to gain a better understanding of repairs needed.”

The following areas were identified in the report:

  • 6th and Adams ponding — usually due to clogged drains from leaves, etc.
  • Dallas from 7th to 6th — bubble up issues
  • 4th and Birth periodic street flooding
  • 5th and Dallas floods frequently
  • Lots of root encroachment into lines, particularly on 4th.

In addition, Council member Ellen Burton said just days before the floods Public Works Director Steve Wall addressed the many drainage problems in the downtown area.

Adam’s
Debris is still being cleaned up.
Adam’s
Outside Adam’s Bar and Grill.
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Paodle Games Runs 2nd Product ‘Space Dinos’ Through Kickstarter Campaign

Camas, WA — Paodle Games, a locally-owned company, is currently running their second product, “Space Dinos,” through a Kickstarter campaign.

“Our company uses Kickstarter as a platform to create the best possible game,” said company co-founder, Kathi Sjostrom. “Backing on Kickstarter is simple, and it will run through October 31. Limited copies will be available after as pre-orders but the best price will be on Kickstarter.”

“Space Dinos” is a puzzle game that is family friend. It has a solo gamer mode, play levels for children and the Original Voyage allows players at all levels to play with strategy.

Paodle Games is also releasing Helio and Mini Macaron Madness at the same time. Both games are mint tin games and will be delivered in time for Christmas delivery to local backers. They are the perfect stocking stuffer size.

Sjostrom, her husband, Seth, and Pete and Cheryl Emerson created Paodle Games in December 2019.

To learn more about their Kickstarter campaign, click here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/paodle/space-dinos

You can also view the video on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/V5q0XO-Bj8E

Paodle
www.artfuljuxtaposition.com
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Champ Pizza Expands Brand; To Open Third Restaurant in Camas

Camas, WA —Locally-owned Champ Pizza is opening up their third restaurant at the end of October at the former Little Caesar’s location at Lacamas Center on 3rd Avenue.

“We bought an existing franchise in 2019, and realized it was necessary to create our own brand, and Champ Pizza was born in February,” said Tyson Cook, Champ Pizza’s managing partner. “We opened the Salmon Creek location first, which was followed by the 162nd store in March.”

Cook said they purchased the Camas Little Caesar’s store to grow their brand, and seeing the support they get from Camas and Washougal customers this seemed like the right fit.

“I wanted a location closer to me, and I think we need more pizza in East County,” Cook said. “We made this deal happen pretty quickly. When I saw Little Caesar’s close, we just made a deal.”

Champ Pizza makes a quality pizza that’s ready fast with delivery and pickup options.

“We use 100 percent whole mozzarella cheese, we make dough daily made with buttermilk and Parmesan,” Cook said. “We bring in all our produce and slice it in house. We also offer premium meats — ham, pepperoni, sausage, bacon, etc. We don’t cut corners there. We pride ourselves on our service, we believe a customer deserves a quality pizza every time. We can deliver and be ready just as quickly as the competition. We will serve all of Camas and Washougal.” 

The planned opening date is end of October, as long as permitting and everything with the city goes well.

“We really want to be involved with the community and will continue our Athlete of the Month program,” Cook said. ”We will also give many teens an opportunity to have a good job.” 

  • Address: 3252 NE 3rd Avenue, Suite 9, Camas, WA 98607
  • Phone: 360.210.5262
  • Website: www.champpizza.com
Champ
www.artfuljuxtaposition.com
Champ
Champ Pizza makes all their dough in-house, with buttermilk and Parmesan.
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Stevenson Downtown Association Launches First-Ever Grant Program

Bricks & Clicks Grants Offer Up to $1,000 for Downtown Stevenson Businesses to Upgrade Facades or E-Commerce Platforms

Stevenson, Wash. — The Stevenson Downtown Association (SDA) announced earlier this week the launch of its Bricks & Clicks Grant Program to support local businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are available at stevensonmainstreet.org.

“The new Bricks & Clicks Grant Program encourages business expansion — and more importantly business retention — by providing resources to downtown merchants for facade improvements or e-commerce solutions,” said Executive Director Kelly O’Malley-McKee, who was hired in March as the SDA’s first employee. “We are thrilled to be able to award up to $1,000 per approved project in hopes of taking some of the sting our local businesses are experiencing right now.” 

Due to the economic impact of COVID-19 since the spring, projects underway or already completed may be considered for work that began on/after April 1, 2020.  

“While any approved applicant will be responsible for remaining costs above $1,000, this is a reimbursement grant,” said O’Malley-McKee. “So, in an effort to further support local, SDA will provide 100% reimbursement for approved project expenses that utilize Skamania County vendors and 75% reimbursement for any other vendors.”

Examples of acceptable “Bricks” projects could include exterior building remodeling and improvements, business signage and exterior paint that’s within the recommended city palette, as well as awnings, windows, doors, landscaping and more.

Examples of acceptable “Clicks” projects could include website hosting or domain fees for new sites, PayPal/ Venmo/ Square set-up for web-based software, or point of sale systems that integrate with online shopping, or shopping cart software like Shopify and others.

“Any software or e-commerce programs should support brick and mortar operations, as we will not fund applications that move a mode of business strictly online,” added O’Malley-McKee. “Remember, the goal is to retain businesses in our downtown district.”

Stevenson
www.clarkcountyrelocations.com

Applications are accepted by mail or online on a rolling basis through the end of 2020. All of the guidelines, requirements and grant application are available at stevensonmainstreet.org. 

The SDA will likely continue the Bricks & Clicks Grant Program beyond 2020 if it proves helpful to the community and additional funding can be secured. The local non-profit plans to announce a non-grant program in November to provide additional support to downtown restaurants and retailers during the shoulder season.

The Stevenson Downtown Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, affiliated with both Washington Main Street and Main Street America. This coalition of local business owners, public officials and community leaders work to promote and revitalize downtown Stevenson to support our local economy and small businesses.

As a Main Street America AffiliateTM, the Stevenson Downtown Association is part of a national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.

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2 Rivers Bar & Grill Launches New Brunch Menu — Beginning October 4

Washougal, WA — 2 Rivers Bar and Grill is launching a fantastic, delicious and well thought Sunday Brunch menu featuring many new dishes beginning October 4. 

Tim Fuhrman, a classically French trained chef joined 2 Rivers just two months ago, and he’s making a bold statement with these new offerings, which are only available — for now —  on Sundays from 10 am- 2 pm.

Here’s a summary of nine dishes:

Chorizo Jalepeno Scramble

Pepper jack cheeese, green onions, avocado, eggs, House potatoes and choice of bread.

“The scramble has some Southwest influence,” Fuhrman said. “We use brioche bread for the French toast and the raspberry purée is cooked raspberry. Made from scratch. You always want a wow factor with the French toast. It’s very visual.”

Croque Madame

Brioche bread, honey baked ham, bechamel sauce, cheese and topped up with fried egg and a chef’s choice seasoned vegetable.

“As a classically French trained chef most of my dishes are French,” said Fuhrman. “Classically country style French food. My French influence is why I introduced a couple dishes like that.”

Biscuits and Gravy

Housemade buttermilk biscuits with country white sausage gravy and house potatoes.

Brisket Ranchero

Slow cooked smoked beef brisket, black beans, avocado, enchilada sauce, screambled eggs, pico de gallo, creme fresh and cilantro.

Rivers
Brisket Ranchero

Smoked Canadian Bacon Benedict

Includes English muffin, poached eggs, Chef’s lemon hollandaise and House potatoes.

“The Benedict is inspired by mother who passed away from cancer,” said Fuhrman. “That was the last meal I prepared for her. The Hollandaise is thicker.” 

Florentine

Braised baby spinach, grilled tomatoes, fresh basil, avocados, toasted English muffin, poached eggs, Chef’s Lemon hollandaise and house potatoes

Corned Beef Hash

Peppers, mushrooms, green onions, house potatoes, poached eggs topped with Hollandaise sauce.

Smoked Wild Salmon Omlette

Wild salmon, green onions, capers, Brie cheese, creme fresh, eggs, house potatoes and choice of bread.

Strawberry and Chantilly Cream French Toast

Dipped in vanilla custard with raspberry compote, toasted almonds, pure maple syrup, candied lemon zest, topped with fresh raspberry and chantilly cream.

“I’ve been here at 2 Rivers two months,” Fuhrman said. “I opened a restaurant on Hawthorne. Before that I had been consulting nationally, and now I just want a nice spot to showcase my 30 years of experience. I’m more old school, I don’t need 13 things to make it beautiful. It’s not super fancy, but you will have great flavor and you can have a really good meal.”

2 Rivers Bar and Grill is located at 1700 Main Street, Suite 110, Washougal, WA 98671

Phone: 360.210.7987

To learn more, visit www.2riversbarandgrill.com

Rivers
Croque Madame
Rivers
Smoked Wild Salmon Omlette
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