That bastion of Columbia City business news has come to a close. "Get the Beat" is shutting down it's electronic distribution in favor of the wiki.
I have to say, I'm sad to see it go. The Wiki is pretty awesome, but it contributes in a different way to the community. I think there's always room for an additional outlet for solid reporting, news and views from a consistent involved voice like the Beat. Ah well, in all things change is constant I suppose.
I republish the last edition of the Beat in full below. RIP the Beat - long live the wiki!
Columbia City News
"Get the Beat" gives way to the Wiki... Bowing to the power of our wonderful "Columbia Citizens' Wikli" (http://ColumbiaCitizens.net/wikli:current), this will be the last edition of the Get the Beat electronic newsletter. Your editor has enjoyed trying to keep you informed about goings-on in the business district, but there's nothing like the power of the Wikli's multiple voices to provide the real scoop. And, the Wikli's calendar is all you need to figure out what your future holds. Plug in, be thoughtful, be honest, be caring.
Business Association names Angies' as 2007 recipient of "Good Neighbor Award"... It is surprising how few Columbia City businesses bother to sweep the sidewalk in front of their establishments each day. Tutta Bella, Columbia City Bakery, and Columbia City Fitness are a few of the ones that do. But nobody takes their responsibility more seriously than Angies', which is fortunate, because Angies' customers generate one heck of a lot of litter every night. Dan and Suki, the owners, make sure the sidewalk and alley are carefully swept every day, and they were recognized at the CCBA's December meeting with a certificate of appreciation "for demonstrated community spirit".
CCBA names new officers for 2008... At its December meeting, the CCBA membership voted in Bull Stewart (Columbia City Fitness) as president, Jim Orrey (Washington Federal) as vice-president, Laureen Kelly (Einstein Signs) as secretary, and Pam Stokes (Hasegawa Family Dentistry) as treasurer.
Last Loft offers lodging in Columbia City... it is a fully-furnished, two-level, loft-style apartment available for stays as short as 7 days. Designed for your out-of-town visitors, it can accommodate up to 4 people. Call 922-3656 to inquire about availability.
Special Holiday Offer: Owners Zeke and Kidia of Tagla at 4423 Rainier Avenue S is offering a special Holiday discount through December 31st(2007). Get the fabulous combination plate for only $9.95 and add a meat dish for only $5.00 more. For those that love Ethiopian food this is a very special deal. For those who have not tried this wonderful food this is a great opportunity. Call 206-721-3355 for pick or reservations.
That's it... see you on the Wikli!
2 comments:
Awhile back, Rob Mohn mentioned to me that he planned to phase out the Beat. I got the impression that he'd originally had a lot of fun composing the newsletter, but recently it had become more of a chore.
Rob has invested of himself in Columbia City: time, lots of energy and insight, and resources. He continues to be involved in many meaningful ways. I think it's gracious of him to tip his hat to the Columbia Citizens wiki-project, when he should really be taking a bow after so much sustained work on the Beat and on other fronts.
I agree with you, Captain. It's a great pity to let the Beat go, because it's an important source of local business info for the neighborhood.
The Citizens' Wikli is a pretty different thing. It reflects what people bring to it and what's easily found on the internet. Columbia Citizens benefit(s) by having consistent, informed content to point to.
I like how Columbia City's residential and business neighborhoods are so interrelated. But they involve distinct perspectives. Columbia Citizens lends itself to neighbor participation, and I think there's value in having the Citizens' Wikli focus primarily on the residential perspective. The Beat was the only thing out there to share the local business point of view.
It's clear to everyone that Columbia City benefits from all kinds of beats. Maybe the new Beat should be more like a drum circle -- polyrhythmic, syncopated, a shared experience.
So how's this idea... what if the CCBA had its own forum -- a news blog, say, to which its leaders or members could post their own announcements and insights. It would allow business owners to share info in a timely way, in smaller and more manageable packets. Posting could be shared between a few people.
Are there other CCBA members out there who could take this on? Maybe a couple of our neighborhood bloggers could share their insights to help ... beat the drum?
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