The Shores Insider
August 2021

Presented by the Ocean Shores Branch of Greater Grays Harbor, Inc.
A Localized Voice for Business in Ocean Shores
Shores Business News
We are almost to Labor Day, and it has been a tough summer for businesses. Staffing and supply issues have been a continued challenge for all of us. These concerns were taken forward at a Business Round Table with Representative Kilmer. The results were a very healthy discussion on the need for affordable housing for workers in Ocean Shores and what that may look like. 

The Coastal Interpretive Center (CIC), because of COVID, decided to close the building to the public until the end of the year 2020. This closure was extended to May of 2021. During this time, the volunteers and staff took on an extensive remodeling project. Almost the entire interior of the building has been refurbished. Many new exhibits were created and existing displays refreshed. The CIC reopened during the Memorial Day weekend and now remains open five days per week (ribbon cutting photo above). 

During this unprecedented closure, hundreds of hours of volunteer time were effectively utilized to remodel the CIC’s interior. There is new flooring in most of the building, an improved and efficient HVAC system, and museum-quality power-efficient LED lighting. The CIC was able to enhance the experience significantly with new educational exhibits and displays. The responses have been exceedingly positive—another great place to recommend to visitors to Ocean Shores.

For July, Ocean Shores traffic count was 616,039 while the prior year 678,947. Last year was the highest traffic recorded and was driven by lack of options for visitors in other areas. In 2019 our count was 506,239; this year was still strong but not to the level of 2020.

City of Ocean Shores Revenue Numbers from June (usually a two-month lag):
  • Sales Tax +51%
  • Hotel/Motel Tax +142%
  • General Revenue Account. The City Council's goal was to keep at least $2 million in reserve is at $4,094,334.

Items that are of interest to the City Council:
  • Food trucks regulations
  • The allowance of tents as a permanent seating option
  • Crosswalks on Point Brown
  • City use of American Rescue Plan Funding
  • Options for maintaining our fresh waterways

To learn more about Ocean Shores City Council agendas and meetings, click here.
Shores Spotlight
 
Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. welcomes new member, The Door Mouse Boutique on Point Brown Avenue! Owner, Pat Habeck retired from the Dept. of Defense after a 41-year career. She first opened her clothing store in Yosemite National Park. Five years ago, Pat and her husband, Doug, moved to Ocean Shores sight unseen to distance themselves from snow shoveling and fire evacuations. 
 
Pat wants her store to be a social gathering, comfortable, at-home place to visit and shop at. Prior to placing her next order, she holds focus groups to learn what her customers would like. Her items are always unique materials, USA made, and available in all sizes, but makes a point to only purchase one of each size and one color. Her items sell quickly as there's a need in the city for non-touristy type of clothing.   
Pat provides a “Style Show” three times a year, with all ticket purchases given to the Ocean Shores Food Bank! The next show is the Fall Fashion Festival on August 28th for $10.00 per ticket. She is all about giving back to the community! 

Thank you, Pat, for providing a much-needed service, giving back to our community, and being a newest member of GGHI. Ocean Shores is lucky to have you!
All Ocean Shores events found here.
How to Submit Your Own Grays Harbor Event to the Calendar
Head to our community calendar, click the " + " button located to the right above the calendar or click here.

Please make sure to fill in as many fields as possible and add the keywords "Ocean Shores" to your event description!

*If you would like to feature a photo in your event, please email it to knorvell@graysharbor.org after submission.
Greater Grays Harbor, Inc.
(360) 532-7888
506 Duffy St.
Aberdeen, WA 98537
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