JOIN US ON A ROADTRIP THAT'S SURE TO BE A LITTLE DIFFERENT.

This year, PEMCO Insurance is sending teams of genuine Northwest-loving people to community events and activities across the state. Some are in support of a good cause, some just sound like a good time - but either way, we hope you'll stop by and say hi. Look for us wherever you see the big green PEMCO van. And if we miss each other, drop us a note here and tell us what's on your mind.

Remember, there's no place quite like home, especially this time of year. So get out there and enjoy!

First Thursday: Strolling for Art

March 5, 2010 12:34pm
posted by Steven Goodell in Washington

Nothing gets those creative juices flowing like a little exercise and hundreds of free showings by renowned artists right here in the Seattle area. Yesterday, Peter and I were inspired to join fellow Art Gallery Crawlers for the First Thursday art walk in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square neighborhood. Powered up on cheese plates and hors d'oeuvres, we pounded the pavement exploring every booth and gallery this thirty-year fixture in Seattle's art community has to offer.

We loved exploring the intimate workspaces of the 619 Yesler Art Building and hearing firsthand the inspirations and insights of the artists. Painting and sculpture weren't the only examples of stunning local talent on display. During our stroll we were treated to elegant tango demonstrations near Occidental Park and live performances at a former grunge hotspot, O.K. Hotel. Along the way we met Rachel, a Seattle Art Institute student and academic Art Gallery Crawler. "This is actually homework for me, but it's great getting to explore Seattle's rich art scene with my friends at the same time." We can see why they're so eager to come along, Rachel!

Here are a few of our favorite shots from the art walk:

First Thursday1

    Nadira, Rachel and Danielle enjoy the evening of art

First Thursday2

Little Ian finds out art can be interactive!

First Thursday4

One of our favorite pieces of the night titled "Octofly"

First Thursday3

Painter/Sculpter Mark Berry from Ellensburg poses next to some of his work


Art not your forte? Then be sure to check us out at the Sounders Community Shield match next Thursday at Qwest Field. See you there!

0 comments leave a comment

Magnuson Park: The PBA Road Trip Reaches New Heights

March 3, 2010 2:03pm
posted by Peter Young in Washington
Harness, ropes and carabiners? Check.

Shoes, chalk bags and all things Gore-Tex? Check, check and check.

Oh, and let's not forget that Nalgene-filled with water. With supplies like these, you know you're in for a uniquely Northwest adventure.

On Tuesday Brad, Steven and I trekked out to Magnuson Park in Seattle to mingle with more of our NW neighbors. While there, we spotted several NW types, including:

Magnusson Park1

Magnuson Park2
And a very unique group of NW Male (and one Female!) Action Figures

At the park's Mountaineers Climbing Wall we met John, Sako and Graham - three adventurous Seattleites with a love for climbing and all things outdoors.

Sako, a recent graduate of UW and current nursing student, took a break from climbing to chat with us. "This is my first time here at the park, but it's a great place to train," she said.

Graham was also enjoying his first visit to the park in preparation for his latest climbing adventure. "I usually climb in California at Yellowstone, but in a few weeks I'm heading north to climb in Alaska just south of Denali," he told us.

We had a great time at Magnuson Park watching our NW Action Figure friends scale the wall, but for now we think we'll keep our feet on the ground! If you missed us on Tuesday, be sure to catch us tomorrow as we check out the First Thursday Art Walk in Pioneer Square. Take in the art, enjoy the downtown atmosphere and be sure to stop by and say hello.
0 comments leave a comment

Fremont Sunday Market: The Best Things in Life are "Fremont"

March 1, 2010 5:43pm
posted by Brad Baumgartner in Washington
This weekend, Peter and I spent a sunny afternoon exploring the colorful and quirky Fremont Sunday Market.  The sun was shining and the air smelled like spring as we strolled through the vendor stalls and began our search for one of our favorite Northwest Profiles: The "Fremont `60s Holdout." 

Since 1990, Fremont has been home to a weekly gathering of vendors and performers who come together in rain or shine to enjoy the neighborhood's culture and strong community spirit. Inspired by European street markets, there are upwards of 150 booths lining the busy Fremont street.

The Market is open year-round, and I can't think of a better way to spend a beautiful Northwest afternoon than browsing the stalls, sampling the local food and keeping our eyes peeled for the plethora of Northwest Profiles in their natural habitat! 

Here are a few of our favorite shots from the day:

Fremont1
Welcome to the Market!

Fremont2
The Fremont HyperMarket Scrabble Tile Pile

Fremont3
Street musicians rock out in their "Too-Late-For-The-Grunge-Party" flannel shirts

Fremont5
We even found enough clogs for every "P-Patch Person" in the Northwest!
    Peter, Steven and I will make our next appearance this Tuesday at Magnuson Park.  Rain or shine, we look forward to seeing you there.  As always, feel free to leave us a comment and let us know which Northwest event we should check out next.

    0 comments leave a comment

    Green Lake Power-Walkers: A Day of Lakeside Service

    February 25, 2010 1:58pm
    posted by Steven Goodell in Washington
    Power-walking, skating, paddling, or pushing, we love the unique ways Seattleites cruise the 3.5 mile loop that circles Green Lake. This Wednesday Peter, Brad and I came up with a workout of our own – one that we hope made Green Lake a little bit greener. Brooms in hand, we set out on a curling-inspired stroll to remove stray gravel and debris from the paved walking path circling the picturesque lake.

    Greenlake3

    While we took turns sweeping away the crunchy hazards, we used the opportunity to gather more than 30 pounds of trash from the lakeside! Hopefully our handiwork prevented a few scraped knees and left the loop a little greener than we found it.

    Take a look at some of our odd finds of the day:

    Greenlake4
    Looks like someone's missing their other slipper!

    Greenlake5
    Hmmm - Wonder who lost a hubcap at Green Lake?

    Later in the day, Toby the German Shepherd stopped by to say hello and take a rest while on his daily walk around the lake. Luckily we had a few dog treats on hand for our new friend!

    Greenlake2

    We had a great time doing our part to spruce up the Green Lake path, and we can't wait to come back. Until then, join us as we check out the Freemont Sunday Market this weekend!
    0 comments leave a comment

    Marymoor Off-Leash Dog Park: A 'Doggone' Good Time

    February 22, 2010 10:11am
    posted by Peter Young in Washington
    A warm day in February may be a Northwest rarity, but when the sun finally peeks out from the clouds, what better way to spend the afternoon than with a gaggle of your favorite canine playmates? On Thursday Brad, Steven and I took advantage of the sunny Seattle weather and headed out east to Marymoor Park in Redmond to mingle with NW Profile #23, the Marymoor Off-Leash Dog Lady.

    Armed with dog treats, water bottles and a sense of adventure, we set off to strike another notch into our NW Road Trip belts (or leash in this case) and to meet some of our furriest Northwest neighbors. From big to small, groomed to shaggy, we caught up with some great canine companions as they enjoyed a sunny romp in the park with their owners.

    Here are some of our favorite shots of the day:

    Dog1

    Dog2

    Dog4

    Dog8

    One of our favorite dogs of the day was Hokulani, whose name means "Shining Star" in Hawaiian. Hokulani and her owner, Tim, met in Hawaii 10 years ago when Tim had just started work as a teacher in a school for children with special needs. Hokulani was a rescue pup from the local shelter and Tim brought the dog with him to school everyday, where she would curl up with the students as they completed their reading lessons.

    According to Tim, "Hoku is the reason so many of those kids got better at reading. After a while it was like I wasn't even there. It was just them and Hoku."

    One look at Hokulani and it's easy to see how such an adorable pup could make such a positive impact:

    Dog9
    Tim and Hokulani enjoying the sun at Marymoor Park

    If you and your four-legged friend missed us at the park this time, don't worry. Just look for us on the next beautiful day in Marymoor - It'll be a barkin' good time!

    0 comments leave a comment

    The Green Lake Valentine's Day Dash – Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em!

    February 15, 2010 10:13am
    posted by Brad Baumgartner in Washington
    Love 'em or leave 'em: that was the question at the 5th annual Valentine's Day Dash around Green Lake this weekend.  Peter, Steven and I arrived early Saturday morning to mingle with the hundreds of runners sporting everything from matching pink outfits to huge heart-shaped suits.  The idea behind the 5K race is to dress exactly like your Valentine's Day sweetheart, with prizes awarded for exceptional costumes.  Once the race begins, you have the choice to stay with your running partner or "leave 'em" behind.    

    We spent the morning surrounded by energetic runners and cute couples who stopped to get their picture snapped and share their Valentine's story.  Many of the runners seemed eager to set personal-best times, while the couples seemed to be more fixated on finishing the race hand-in-hand with each other.  

    Here are some of our favorite costumes of the day:

    Vday1

    Vday2

    Vday3

    Vday5

    While it wasn't quite the dog days of summer at Green Lake, we did meet some excited canines and their human companions.  Mo brought her pack of pooches, Walter, Shasta and Betty to join in on the fun.  They all raced across the finish line with impressive times, but more importantly, they finished in impressive fashion - The dogs donned matching pink bandanas in celebration of Valentine's Day.  

    Vday4
    Canine competitors Walter, Shasta and Betty show off their V-Day style

    Our day wasn't truly complete until we spotted a pair of "Green Lake Power Walkers."  Admitting that they did indeed fit the bill, Ty and Britt proudly showed off their Northwest Profile T-shirts during the run.  Unfortunately, we noticed that Britt left Ty during the race as she cruised to the finish line in under 33 minutes.  Ty showed up about 10 minutes later, and they happily reunited.  Though they may have opted for the "leave 'em" route, Ty and Britt blissfully left Green Lake together to enjoy the rest of their Valentine's Day weekend.

    Vday6
    Northwest Profile #64 never looked so good!

    Though we've experienced our fair share of Northwest runs, this one was by far the sweetest. If you were at the race, drop us a note in the comments section and tell us about your favorite Valentine's Day Dash moment.  Until next time, be sure to stay on the lookout for Peter, Steven and me coming soon to a neighborhood near you!
    1 comments leave a comment

    WALLY1 Wi-Fi HotSpot: Putting a Jolt in the Daily Commute

    February 10, 2010 11:53am
    posted by Steven Goodell in Washington
    Here in the Northwest, we like our minds clear even if the weather isn't. And what better way to lift the mental fog of the a.m. commute than with some early-morning coffee?

    This Tuesday we thought Metro-bound Eastsiders deserved a little caffeine buzz to get a jump start on the morning ride. Brad, Peter and I were at the South Bellevue Park and Ride from 7-9 a.m. with fresh coffee and the WALLY1 Wi-Fi Hotspot on hand. The drizzly morning weather was no match for our wireless high-pressure system as commuters checked online schedules and prepared for the day.

    Here are a few snapshots from the morning's coffee-filled commute:

    Bellevue1

    Bellevue2

    Bellevue3

    Didn't get your free cup of coffee? No worries - Just keep an eye out for us on your way to work or follow us on Twitter at @PEMCO_NW for updates on when we'll be stopping by a transit hub near you!

    0 comments leave a comment

    "The Stinky Spoke": A Stinky Weather Poker Ride

    January 18, 2010 9:27am
    posted by Steven Goodell in Washington
    Smiling, mud-speckled "NW Action Figures" were out in spades Saturday, pedaling their way through the Stinky Weather "Stinky Spoke" Poker Ride in Woodinville, WA. Peter and I were on the scene with the WALLY1 van and the NW Profiles Photo Program helping out with the fun, dealing cards and taking pictures of rosy-cheeked poker faces.

    The weather was uncooperatively pleasant for the third annual event, which is intentionally scheduled to land on the crummiest day of the year. Light rain and sun seemed to be all Mother Nature could muster up for the "stinky" weather ride, which leads bikers between checkpoints where they gather playing cards in hopes of having a good enough hand at the end to win a prize.

    Undeterred by the mild conditions, Shannon and Dave came out to ride, despite being one bike short. Fortunately, they won the auction to ride the popular "Stinky Pinky" beach cruiser. "We took turns. It was a lot of fun," Shannon said.

    Stinky Spoke1
    Shannon shows off the "Stinky Pinky"

    We snagged a few of the riders to share their favorite parts of the 16-mile race:

    "Fishtailing in the serpentine muddy section."
    - Brian, Whidbey Island

    "Going up Torture Hill. I think they actually call it that."
    - Jeremy, Bothel

    "Spinning my tires in the mud trying to pull my son's trailer up the big hill. Didn't make it."
    - Brian, Renton

    "I fell over twice—once on a turn and once just grabbing my next card."
    - Rosie, Seattle

    Wayne from Redmond couldn't help but look his best for the muddy ride. We asked him if he'd be wearing his trophy splatters to work on Monday. "No, I don't think so!" he said.

    Stinky Spoke2
    Wayne in his mud-splattered ensemble
     
    Brian and Jennifer brought their 21 month-old son, Connor, along for the ride:
     
    Stinky Spoke4

    Stinky Spoke3
    So much for the view, eh Connor?

    Sue, Pam, Sherrie and Rhonda posed for a moment on the "Stinky Pinky" beach cruiser:

    Stinky Spoke5

    Mike, an enthusiastic Stinky Spoke participant, managed to take a whirl on the bike he's owned since he was six years old!

    Stinky Spoke6
    "Wheee!"

    The Stinky Spoke winning hand was a straight flush, but we're willing to bet everyone went home feeling like a winner. Until next time, drop us a note about your favorite Stinky Spoke moment, and be sure to keep an eye out for WALLY1 and the Fiercely Northwest Wi-Fi Hotspot in your neighborhood!
    2 comments leave a comment

    A Supercharged Seahawks Skyscraper

    January 4, 2010 11:28am
    posted by Alyssa Norwood in Washington

    Congratulations to our most recent winners of the Supercharged Seahawks Fan photo contest!

    In a first for this season's Supercharged Seahawks Fan photo contest, Tim L. and his high-flying crew towered over the competition with their daring pyramid of fandom. These acrobatic antics landed them the top spot in last week's contest receiving an unprecedented 217 votes. With a record 352 total votes and a neck-and-neck race throughout most of the competition, this showdown was the most supercharged yet!

    Thank you to our super-spirited finalists from last week and to those of you who commented and cast your vote! 

    Seahawk Contest5

    0 comments leave a comment

    Seahawks vs. Titans: Signing Off Until Next Season

    January 4, 2010 10:36am
    posted by Brad Baumgartner in Washington
    The Seahawks season may not have gone according to plan, but we enjoyed our incredible year with the 12th Man!  As the season came to a close, Peter, Steven and I eagerly greeted Seattle's faithful for one last hurrah.  Our photo program proved once and for all that Seahawks fans are the NFL's finest.

    Game-day is always a special occasion at Qwest Field, but the Seahawks took it a step further on Sunday.  The team hosted its annual Fan Appreciation Day to finish the year on a high note.  Our PBA Team let the loyal fans know how much we appreciated their presence all season long, and everything came full circle when the first "Supercharged Seahawks" photo contest winner of the year paid us a final visit. 

    Mark, a season ticket holder for 15 years, has really earned his stripes.  He had one ultimate goal to cap off the 2009-2010 season – he vowed that he would make it onto Hawk Vision during Sunday's game!  We were confident that he would make that goal a reality, considering he was decked out in a green and blue dreaded cap and referee uniform emblazoned with "Official Seahawks Fan." 

    Referee2

    We have grown accustomed to mingling with "Supercharged Seahawks Fans" every Sunday, and we will certainly miss our experience as we head into the off-season.

    Here's what we'll miss the most:

    - The pre-game soundtrack of 'Hawk jams

    - Seahawks superhero costumes (including Hawk Daddy, Mr. Mohawk, Mama Blue, and Sea Rooster)

    - Children attending their first Seahawks game and getting a souvenir photo to prove it

    - Proving that, like all of us in the Northwest, Seahawks fans are proud to say "We're a little different!"

    Thank you to everyone who visited our booth throughout the season.  You made every Sunday special.  Until next time…Go Seahawks!
    1 comments leave a comment

    Last Call for Supercharged Seahawks Votes!

    December 30, 2009 6:09pm
    posted by Alyssa Norwood in Washington
    Thanks to all for an overwhelming response to this week's Supercharged Seahawks Fan photo contest.  

    Voting will officially close on Thursday, December 31 at 10 a.m., so we encourage you to get your last minute votes in by then!  

    Stay tuned for this week's winner -- and thank you, again.  Your vote makes a difference for Children's Hospital. 
    0 comments leave a comment

    Are You the Most Supercharged Seahawks Fan?

    December 16, 2009 7:49am
    posted by Alyssa Norwood in Washington
    This football season, the PEMCO Brand Ambassadors have been showing their Seahawks team spirit by hosting a pre-game photo program in Quest Field's Touchdown City. Fans entering the game are invited to get their photo snapped and have the option of entering our weekly contest to find the most Supercharged Seahawks Fan.

    We look forward to seeing you next week, but now it's time to vote! Cast your vote below for this week's craziest, most rabid Seahawks fan. This week's winner will have their photo displayed on Hawk Vision during the next home game on Jan. 3 against the Titans.  Tell us your pick by leaving a note in the comments section below with the photo number of your choice.  You can remain completely anonymous and it's for a good cause.  For every vote tallied, PEMCO will donate $1 to Seattle Children's Hospital. 

    With just one home game left in the regular season, we need your vote more than ever! So tell us, who's the most supercharged this week?

    Photo #1
    Seahawk Contest1


    Photo #2
    Seahawk Contest2


    Photo #3
    Seahawk Contest3


    Photo #4
    Seahawk Contest4


    Photo #5
    Seahawk Contest5

    Thanks for voting.  Come see us Jan. 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at PEMCO's green WALLY van inside Qwest Field's Touchdown City.  And go Seahawks!

    Please note: Voting has now closed.

    359 comments leave a comment

    A Night of Giving: Many Thanks for Your Support

    December 14, 2009 2:37pm
    posted by Rod Brooks in Washington
    Friends –

    It wouldn't have happened without you. It's with heartfelt thanks that we express our gratitude to the Northwest community who joined us Friday evening to honor the families of the fallen police officers of the Puget Sound region.

    Together, we raised more than $25,000 to donate to the benevolent funds established for the families of the Lakewood and Seattle officers. We were overwhelmed to see the community respond with such generosity and support, and we have you to thank for it.

    Over the past several weeks, we all saw our friends and neighbors come together and show support in countless ways. We thank those who were able to join us on Friday -- it was a memorable evening of celebration, fundraising, and making a difference.

    We also thank those who couldn't join us who contributed directly to the officers' established funds. Your thoughtful support truly means a lot.

    Thanks, once again, for joining us with your contributions, thoughts, participation, and support. It's what community is all about.

    Warm wishes,
    Rod Brooks
    VP & CMO of PEMCO Insurance
    Rod.Brooks@pemco.com
    @NW_Mktg_Guy

    0 comments leave a comment

    PEMCO Joins "Blue Lights" Campaign in Honor of the Fallen Officers

    December 9, 2009 2:21pm
    posted by Rod Brooks in Washington
    Hello friends,

    As part of last night's citywide "Blue Lights" campaign, PEMCO joined with Safeco Field, the Space Needle, Qwest Field, local businesses, community centers and homes around the region to display blue lights in honor of the four fallen Lakewood police officers.

    Blue Light Tribute

    We would also like to remind you of our fundraising event this Friday to support the Lakewood Police Independent Guild Fund. PEMCO Insurance has pledged $12,500 in matching funds in support of the fallen officers' families, and the price of admission directly benefits the children of the fallen officers in a trust.

    We invite you to join us on Friday, Dec. 11 at The Canal in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood for this worthy cause. PEMCO will provide appetizers and soft drinks along with an assortment of fun, casino activities for guests to enjoy. Try your luck for a chance to win raffle tickets and special prizes.  

    Click on the links below for more information on growing our contribution:

    We thank you again for your support of this cause and we extend our condolences to those affected by this tragedy.

    Many thanks,

    Rod Brooks
    VP & CMO of PEMCO Insurance
    Rod.Brooks@pemco.com
    @NW_Mktg_Guy
    1 comments leave a comment

    A Night of Giving: Honoring the Families of Fallen Officers

    December 3, 2009 2:15pm

    presented by PEMCO Insurance

    posted by Rod Brooks in Washington
    Dear Readers:

    We're deeply saddened by the recent and tragic loss of law enforcement officers in the Puget Sound region. As many of our Northwest neighbors have already demonstrated in countless ways, we want to help in whatever way we can.

    PEMCO Insurance has pledged $12,500 in matching funds in support of the fallen officers' families. Next week, on Friday, Dec. 11, we're inviting our friends, colleagues, neighbors, customers, and online followers to join us in showing support at a fundraising event held at The Canal in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood. As part of our commitment, PEMCO will match all ticket sale proceeds dollar for dollar. We'll also facilitate other opportunities to give to this worthy cause and will equally match additional donations made at the event.

    We invite you to join us in helping surpass our $12,500* matching commitment with your generous contributions.

    The price of admission directly benefits the children of the fallen officers in a trust, and provides an evening for us to come together as a community to honor and remember those who lost their lives. Appetizers and soft drinks will be provided, along with fun activities throughout the night to enjoy with our neighbors as our way of thanking you for joining our fundraiser.

    We know this is a busy time of year, and we announced the event on short notice. Still, we hope you can join us on Friday, Dec. 11.

    Click on one of the options below to choose how you can help grow our contribution:


    This is an overwhelmingly difficult time, and we appreciate your interest in this cause. Our heartfelt condolences go to the families and all those touched by this recent loss.

    Many thanks,

    Rod Brooks
    VP & CMO of PEMCO Insurance
    Rod.Brooks@pemco.com
    @NW_Mktg_Guy


    *Total PEMCO contribution is fixed at $12,500.

    2 comments leave a comment

    Lynnwood Lights: A Bright Night of Family Fun

    December 2, 2009 2:58pm
    posted by Steven Goodell in Washington
    Holiday revelers of all ages flocked to Lynnwood Tuesday night to enjoy the annual holiday "Lynnwood Lights" celebration filled with concerts, games and Christmas attractions at the Lynnwood Convention Center. From dangling mistletoe to festive carolers to delicious candy canes, Bradley and I enjoyed the sights and sounds of the season with WALLY1 and the PEMCO Prize Wheel.

    Hundreds of families lined up for photos with the North Pole's biggest celebrity couple, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, while helpful herds of reindeer and elf volunteers guided families between the numerous holiday activities and performances filling the Convention Center.  In case you missed it, we've compiled a list of our Top Five Most Entertaining Attractions at the Lynnwood Lights:

    1.Musical bell ringers from Meadowdale Middle School
    2. Traditional Korean Drumming and Dancing
    3. Nintendo Wii Skiing
    4. Community Transit's never-out-of-character Oxy Gene "Clean Air Defender"
    5. Lynnwood Community Orchestra

    We even spotted a couple of Meadowdale High School elves treating passersby to a bit of caroling as they handed out programs outside the North Pole Room:

    Lynnwood Lights1

    Even the Lynnwood Police came out for the festivities! They were on hand with police vehicle tours and Christmas lights of a different sort:

    Lynnwood Lights3 Lynnwood Lights4

    Magic was in the air with a special holiday performance by "Magic Rich":

    Lynnwood Lights5 Lynnwood Lights6

    The Lynnwood Lights celebration may be over, but the holiday season is just getting started! Come join us this Sunday in Touchdown City as the Seattle Seahawks take on the San Francisco 49ers. We can't wait to see all our favorite "Supercharged Seahawks Fans" filled with holiday Seahawk spirit. One thing's for sure -- it won't be a silent night!
    0 comments leave a comment

    Westlake Center Tree Lighting: A Winter Wonderland of Fun

    November 30, 2009 1:08pm
    posted by Brad Baumgartner in Washington
    The weather outside may have been frightful, but the atmosphere at Westlake Center was oh-so delightful this weekend. Peter, Steven and I made a visit to the bustling mall on Friday night to celebrate the start of the holiday season and we spent all day on Saturday greeting festive shoppers as they got a jump start on their holiday shopping.
    Westlake1

    On Friday night, Westlake Center was bursting with holiday spirit as the tree lighting ceremony took center stage.  Hundreds of people showed up for the popular seasonal event that included a parade and Christmas carolers.  The festivities were capped off with a magnificent fireworks display in the chilly night sky.

    Early Saturday morning, we nestled the PEMCO WALLY1 van up close to the mall's south entrance and had a wonderful view of King 5 Wonderland featuring the popular Holiday Carousel, a small holiday-themed amusement park for children.  We were wowed by how many families came out to do some shopping while talking time to enjoy the spirited entertainment.  Jane and Marcus from Shoreline brought their two children, Evan and Amelia, to Wonderland, and they raved about Westlake Center's family atmosphere.  "We couldn't think of a better way to spend our Saturday.  We got our shopping done yesterday, so today the kids get their chance to play," Jane said.

    Here are a few of our favorite shots from the weekend:

    Westlake2


    Westlake3


    Westlake5

     

    Westlake6


    The holiday spirit is in full swing now, and we couldn't be more excited to share the season with all of you!  We'll make our next appearance at the Seahawks vs. 49ers game on Sunday, Dec. 6 and we hope to see you there.  All we want for Christmas is another chance to hang out with the 12th Man -- Oh, and a Seahawks win would be nice, too!


    0 comments leave a comment

    Spokane Jingle Bell Run: A Running Start to the Holiday Season

    November 23, 2009 12:56pm
    posted by Peter Young in Washington
    'Twas the Day of the Jingle Bell Run
    'Twas early in the morning, when all through Spokane,
    Not a creature was stirring, except the WALLY1 van.
    We were hoping to spot, in the chilly morning air,
    Jingle Bell runners, in costumes adorned with much care.
    The PBA team was bundled up toasty and warm,
    Hoping to spot NW Profiles (around here, they're the norm).
    With Steven in his gloves, and Brad in his hat,
    We prepared to meet the racers as they finished their last lap.
    When down in the park there arose such a clatter,
    We sprang from our booth to see what was the matter.
    Off to the start line we flew like a flash,
    With cameras in hand we were off with a dash.
    The sun was just breaking over frost-covered streets,
    As the pitter-patter grew louder of sneaker-clad feet.
    When, what to our wondering eyes should appear,
    But 1,000 runners, dressed in their most festive gear!

    Last weekend Brad, Steven and I trekked over a snow-covered Snoqualmie pass to Spokane for the ninth annual Jingle Bell Run. The run benefits the Arthritis Foundation, which is the leading health organization in the United States for arthritis. Roughly 46 million people in America live with this painful condition, and it's the hope that through charitable events such as this, the foundation can help those living with Arthritis lead healthy and full lives.

    The run encourages participants to kick-off the holiday season in style with a wide range of creative holiday costumes. We spotted Rudolph-red noses, Santa's elves, Christmas trees -- even a turkey baster in honor of Thanksgiving! These runners sure know how to bring the holiday spirit to Spokane. Check out some of the best costumes of the day:

    Jingle Bell Run2
    Mr. and Mrs. Claus gave the runners a surprise visit

    Jingle Bell Run1
    Frosty the Snowman knows how to stay warm in the cold weather

    Jingle Bell Run 3
    An entire Thanksgiving feast completed the run, butterball and all!

    Jingle Bell Run5
    Even Santa's littlest helpers were ready to run

    It was truly inspiring to see so many people brave the early morning cold for such a worthy cause, and we had a great time being a part of it. Be sure to catch us this coming Saturday, Nov. 28 for another memorable holiday tradition, the Westlake Center Tree Lighting!

    0 comments leave a comment

    Goodwill Glitter Sale: Kicking off the Holiday Season in Style

    November 16, 2009 5:56pm
    posted by Brad Baumgartner in Washington
    People always say that good things come to those who wait.  Well, that adage took on a whole new meaning this Saturday at the annual Goodwill Glitter Sale.  Anxious shoppers seeking stellar fashion finds camped out at the Dearborn Seattle Goodwill store as early as 4 a.m.!  Peter, Steven and I were on-hand with coffee and doughnuts to reward them for their dedication to shopping for a great cause.

    We could hardly believe our eyes when we first showed up.  Hundreds of Glitter Sale shoppers gladly braved the elements to get their hands on the finest in Northwest fashion.  The line extended all the way around the store with excited shoppers trying their best to stay warm.  

    At the very front of the line sat Natasha and Polina, a bundled-up mother-daughter duo from Redmond.  They've made the Glitter Sale an annual event to kick-off the holiday season in style.  Natasha boldly claimed that the weather would not prevent her from adding a little pizzazz to her wardrobe, and Polina agreed, saying, "I can't wait to get in there and find some vintage or designer clothes!"

    Those two weren't the only Glitter Sale veterans in attendance.  Courtney, a California native, has made the Glitter Sale a part of her holiday shopping for four years now.  She plans her trips to the Northwest to coincide with the Glitter Sale because there's no other event that combines shopping and giving in such a fun and stylish way.  Courtney was in search of some jewelry and accessories to complement the mink fur coat she found at last year's sale.

    Goodwill's early estimates suggest that this was the event's most successful year.  Because of the Northwest's love of fashion and support of the Glitter Sale, Goodwill has been able to offer job training programs to help low-income people become self-sufficient through job training and educational programs.

    This event proved to us that the Northwest certainly has a style of its own.  From the sequined dresses to the personalized leather jackets, we saw it all at the Goodwill Glitter Sale.  Take a look at some of the best finds of the day:



    Now Peter, Steven and I can't wait for next year!

    We are also looking forward to our next festive event, the Spokane Jingle Bell Run taking place this coming Saturday.  We can't wait to see all of the great "NW Male and Female Action Figures" on the run!
    0 comments leave a comment

    Goodwill Glitter Sale: Shopping for a Cause

    November 11, 2009 12:06pm
    posted by Caity McKean in Washington
    Are you a shopper with a fab sense of style?  Have you been drooling over that perfect outfit to spice up your holiday wardrobe?  Are you always on the prowl for the perfect deal?  Well, look no further, Seattle fashionistas!  

    The Seattle Goodwill presents its annual Glitter Sale this Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Dearborn Street Goodwill store where deal-seekers of every age can indulge in glitzy and glamorous Goodwill deals.  All things glittery and fabulous will be on sale, from lush evening gowns to designer shoes to vintage accessories.  Just one tip from the experts: get there early! Lines start to form around 7 a.m. as eager shoppers brave the cold November morning with lattes in hand, counting down the minutes until the sale officially begins.

    Goodwill Glitter Sale

    Rain or shine, we'll be there, armed with delicious snacks to keep shoppers going strong through the marathon of amazing deals. Look for us in the PEMCO WALLY1 van – or just follow the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and scrumptious doughnuts!

    What could be better than snagging gorgeous merchandise at the perfect price? Knowing that your purchases are supporting a great cause. 100 percent of the proceeds from the Glitter Sale go directly to Goodwill's job training and education programs.  These programs enable low income people to gain necessary job skills and provide them with a support system so they can become self-sufficient.  So, when you're trying on that dazzling gown this weekend, you're also impacting the lives of many of your Northwest friends and neighbors in the process.  

    Girls Shopping
    Image via Intelz Bala

    More information on the sale can be found here, along with a must-read list of insider tips for first-time shoppers.

    We look forward to seeing you Saturday, and we want to hear your Glitter Sale stories.  Stop by for a cup of coffee and we'll gladly snap your picture showing off your fabulous new find.  We're hoping to find the five best deals of the day, so if you think your shopping skills are superb, show us what you got!  

    See you this Saturday at around 7:30 a.m.?  It's a deal.

    0 comments leave a comment

    Seahawks vs. Lions: Putting the "Charge" Back in "Supercharged Seahawks Fan"

    November 10, 2009 10:04am
    posted by Peter Young in Washington
    After working seven Seahawks games, it's become increasingly apparent that the Hawks wouldn't be the team they are without their legions of dedicated fans. After all, we know how easy it is to be a sports fan in the good times, when your team is on top -- but it's in the hard times that fans show their true colors to rally around their team. This couldn't be truer than with Seahawks fans, who, despite their team's miscues, missteps and misfortunes this season, are not only still cheering for their team, but seem to be getting louder.  

    Last weekend Brad, Steven and I were blown away by all the Supercharged Seahawks fans we met as we snapped fan photos in Touchdown City before the Seahawks took on the Detroit Lions.

    Somewhere between the two-tone hair, body glitter and sea of blue jerseys it became clear that Hawk fans are as eager as ever to don their best rave green and blue Seahawk colors and cheer on their team. We caught up with one Supercharged Seahawks fan who, with the help of his wife, takes Hawk spirit to a new level. Meet Seattle's self-proclaimed "Hawk Daddy" and his pint-sized twin, "Mini Hawk."

    Hawk Daddy

    "We love coming to the games, there's nothing quite like it," said "Hawk Daddy."

    "Hawk Daddy" and his trusty sidekick "Mini Hawk" have been ticket holders for the past five seasons and have nine different matching game-day outfits. But if you're thinking of bringing your own "Mini Hawk" to the next game, you better get sewing -- everything "Mini Hawk" and "Hawk Daddy" wear is homemade. No doubt about it -- We think they're the best-dressed Seahawks fans around!  For more on "Hawk Daddy" you can visit his MySpace page at www.myspace.com/seattlehawkdaddy.

    Ready to see more "Supercharged Seahawks Fans"?  Be sure to visit www.werealotlikeyou.com to vote for the craziest, most rabid Hawks fan and to see this week's winner of the "Supercharged Seahawks Fan" photo contest.  Be sure to catch us next week at the Glitter Gala at Value Village and on Dec. 6 as the Seahawks take on division rivals the 49ers at Qwest Field.

    0 comments leave a comment

    Sounders vs. Houston Dynamo: The Heat is On

    October 30, 2009 2:49pm
    posted by Steven Goodell in Washington
    Never mind the cold weather, on Thursday night Qwest Field was blazing hot with Sounders fever. Caity, Elise, and I braved the cold along with 35,807 fans to cheer on the Sounders as they took on the Houston Dynamos in the conference semifinals of the MLS playoffs.

    Spooky night-shots were the name of the game at the PEMCO photo booth where "I know I am, I'm Sure I am" Sounders FC Fans lined up to get their souvenir photo snapped for what could be the Sounders last home game of the season.

    The Freeman Family from Sammamish pulled their two lucky girls out of school early to snap a family photo before heading into the match:

    Sounders 10.29


    This father-son-super-lucho-duo is looking fierce in their seasonally appropriate Sounders masks.

    Sounders2 10.29

    And there's no hiding the Sounders love in these heart shaped scarves.

    Sounders3 10.29

    It's been an awesome season and we're so glad to be surfing with the Sound Wave into the playoffs. When the Sounders are back at Qwest Field (which we're sure will be soon), we'll be in the North Lot before you can say "home field advantage." Until then you can find us next at the Seahawks vs. Lions game in Touchdown City on Nov. 8.

    0 comments leave a comment

    Sounders vs. FC Dallas: A FAN-tastic Fan Appreciation Night

    October 26, 2009 2:42pm
    posted by Brad Baumgartner in Washington
    On Saturday, Peter, Steven and I had the chance to work at the Sounders' final regular season game, and it was a match to remember - not just on the field, but off it as well. The match was not only a celebration of the players and their outstanding inaugural season, but also "thank you" to the hoards of dedicated fans who've passionately supported their team in the past year. The evening's Sounders vs. FC Dallas match was dubbed "Fan Appreciation Night," and it gave the Sounders a chance to recognize the fans who have cheered faithfully from the beginning.

    Similar to weekends past, we snapped photos of hundreds of Sounders faithful and printed out "'I Know I Am, I'm Sure I Am' Sounders FC Fan" souvenir pictures.  The sights and sounds in front of our booth were spectacular.  From Sounders cowbells to vuvuzelas (stadium horns) to the Sound Wave Band, our ears were buzzing with excitement right up to kickoff.  

    We were also treated to a magnificent display of talent by a young soccer extraordinaire. Nineteen-year-old Khoa Nguyen juggled for hours, performing moves we've never seen - even on a soccer field.  Don't believe us?  Take a look for yourself. We might have a future Sounders player on our hands!



    To show appreciation to the best fans in MLS, the Sounders unveiled a larger-than-life scarf with every inaugural season ticket holder's name forever ingrained.  This was a very special moment, one that Sounders fans will never forget. Take a look at the unveiling below:



    Though this was the final home match of the regular season, the Sounders aren't finished.  The postseason awaits, and the fairy-tale season will continue.  The Sounders first playoff match is this Thursday, Oct. 29, and you can bet we'll be there to capture the enthusiasm. Come find us in the North Lot of Qwest Field before the game - we'll see you there!

    0 comments leave a comment

    Newest NW Profile Revealed!

    October 22, 2009 2:08pm
    posted by Heidi Obbayi in Washington
    Hello again,

    Your patience has paid off – it's time to reveal one of the newest Northwest Profiles.  Who will be joining "The Super-Long Coffee Orderer" and the "Bluetarp Campers" as the newest addition to the growing list of recognizable Northwesterners?  

    It's time to find out! Remember these photo clues?

    Buckle Loop  Pocket

    If you're ready to find out who this NW Profile is, click here to hear the newest radio spot before it hits the airwaves next week.

    Thank you for all of your support and enthusiasm for the newest profiles, and keep your eyes open for more to be revealed in the next week. Be sure to check back here for more sneak peeks to come!

    After you listen to the newest radio spot, we want to hear from you! What do you think of the newest profile? Drop us a note in the comments section below and let us know what you think.

    Thanks for visiting!

    Heidi Ob'bayi
    Brand Manager
    PEMCO Insurance

    0 comments leave a comment

    Supercharged Seahawks Fan Contest: Show Us Your Hawk Face!

    October 20, 2009 1:50pm
    posted by Brad Baumgartner in Washington
    Matt Hasselbeck throws, Julius Jones runs, Lofa Tatupu tackles (or did), and you cheer!  Isn't it about time you were recognized for your talents?  We feel the same way, so we're searching far and wide for the most passionate "Supercharged Seahawks Fans."

    If you have a pseudonym like "Mr. Mohawk" or "Sea Rooster," we want to meet your alter ego and hear why you are the perfect representative of Hawk Nation.  To enter the PEMCO "Supercharged Seahawk Fan" photo contest, stop by the PEMCO booth before every Seahawks home game and get your picture snapped at Touchdown City. Bring your "Sea-Fense" signs, wear your throwback Steve Largent jerseys, paint your faces and wave your 12th Man flags for the camera!  

    Each week, five super fan photos are posted here, and then it is up to Seahawk fans everywhere to vote for the most spirited, supercharged photo of the week.

    For every vote cast online, PEMCO will donate $1 to Seattle Children's Hospital up to $10,000. Your fandom always supports the Seahawks, but now it can help children in need! The weekly winner not only wins the title of "Supercharged Seahawks Fan" but also gets their photo displayed on the HawkVision screen at the next home game.

    Ready to check out this week's top five fan photos?  Take a look at these super-fans from Sunday's game at www.werealotlikeyou.com.  Then, vote for who you think deserves to be in the spotlight at next week's home game.  So start voting, Hawk Nation, because this week's "Supercharged Seahawks Fan" winner is up to you!

    Here's a peek at some of the most spirited fans around:

    Seahawk1  Rooster 1
                                       Mr. Mohawk and Mohawk Jr.                                                       The Rooster
    1 comments leave a comment

    Children’s Hospital Bike Helmet Event: How Fitting!

    October 19, 2009 3:13pm
    posted by Brad Baumgartner in Washington
    Rainfall may have dampened the Northwest on Friday, but it couldn't soak our spirits at the PCC Natural Market in Redmond.  Steven and I spent the afternoon fitting bike helmets at the local market, and we met children of all ages eager for the chance to strap on their helmets and take their bikes out for a wet ride around the parking lot.

    Seattle Childrens

    In partnership with PEMCO, Children's Hospital offers discounted bike helmets and free helmet fittings to ensure that young "NW Male and Female Action Figures" stay safe on the roads.  We witnessed some special moments as many youngsters tried on their very first bike helmets.

    Kendra stopped by with her sons, Daniel and Paul.  Daniel and Paul have been riding tricycles up and down the hill by their house for years, but now they're ready for their first bikes.  After waiting patiently for their fitting, the two boys rushed off, excited to show off their new helmets. Daniel exclaimed, "I'm going to wear mine all day!"

    Helmet1  Helmet2

    Another young family stopped by later in the day with the same wide-eyed excitement.  Alice visited the booth with her daughters, Madeleine and Sanne, and the little girls beamed with anticipation for their new helmets.  Once they were fitted, the sisters clutched their brand new helmets closely and proudly showed off their Children's Hospital temporary tattoos.  

    helmet4

    Steven and I even had a chance to get our own helmets fitted!  

    helmet5

    The rain never seemed to die down at the event, but neither did the children's enthusiasm for new bike helmets.  It was a treat for us to take part in such a great cause.  

    If you missed us in Redmond, you can catch us again this Saturday, Oct. 24 as the playoff-bound Sounders take on FC Dallas.  Why not hop on your bike and ride over to Qwest Field?  Just don't forget your helmet!   

    0 comments leave a comment

    SNEAK PEAK: Can You Guess the Northwest Profile?

    October 13, 2009 4:55pm
    posted by Heidi Obbayi in Washington
    Hi again,

    Thanks for sending us your creative guesses about who will join PEMCO's newest group of Northwest Profiles.  It's time to reveal clues for another profile!

    We want to know: What recognizable Northwesterners will join "First Snowflake Freakout Lady" and "50 Degrees Shirt's Off Guy" as new Northwest Profiles?

    We're giving you an exclusive peak at a few more photo clues before the profiles are officially revealed later this month. In the meantime, tell us your guesses!

    Here's a hint: This NW Profile has been known to double as Profile #5 "NW Male Action Figure" on his days off.

     Pill1  Pill2

    Give us your best guess in the comments section below.

    Thanks for sharing!

    Heidi Ob'bayi
    Brand Manager
    PEMCO Insurance
    0 comments leave a comment

    Seahawks vs. Jaguars: Superhero Version

    October 12, 2009 5:41pm
    posted by Steven Goodell in Washington
    There's more to "Supercharged Seahawk Fans" than just polyester Mohawks, sweat-proof face paint and custom jersey monikers—there's a thing called unbridled enthusiasm, and boy did it show this Sunday at Quest Field.

    Brad and I spent Sunday morning at Qwest Field's Touchdown City taking photos of die-hard Seahawks fans before the 'Hawks took on the Jacksonville Jaguars. Supercharged fans with larger-than-life personalities lined up to get their pictures snapped and enter PEMCO's "Supercharged Seahawks Fan" photo contest. Each week's contest winner has their extreme fandom displayed on the PEMCO Web site and on HawkVision at the following Seahawks home game.  

    With all the crazy fan outfits that we see at the PEMCO booth on game day, it's sometimes easy to forget that behind the blue hockey masks and lime green hairdos are regular people. People like Wayne, who brought his 3-year-old grandson to his first Seahawks game, or couples like Jeff and DeDe, for whom the games are a weekly ritual. Trying to imagine these super-fans as their plain-clothed alter egos got us thinking about what other superheroes the Seahawks should recruit to join their team.  Check out these fans' creative answers:

    PEMCO Brand Ambassadors (PBAs): If the Seahawks could recruit any superhero, who would it be and why?

    Hong 1301 
    "Superman, because he can fly over everybody."
    Huang    , Seattle

    Leonard 1302
    "The Incredible Hulk, so he can keep defenders off Hasselbeck and plow trucklanes for Julius Jones."
    Aaron Leonard, Bothell

    Bruce 1300
    "Superman, because nobody can stop him."
    Bruce, Fife

    Dede 1303
    "Peyton Manning or Jerry Rice when they were 25."
    Jeff and Dede (Mr. and Mrs. Seahawk)

    Keith 1304
    "Iron Man, because he's indestructible and we like the movie."
    Keith and Ann, Spokane


    Cheer girls 1307
    "Wonder Woman, because her miniskirt would be a huge distraction for the other team!"
    Joelle, Jackie, & Brenna, Kent

    What do YOU think? Which superhero would you like to see play for the Seahawks? Let us know in the comments section below.

    Speaking of superheroes, the WALLY1 van and the PEMCO Brand Ambassadors will be working to save lives this Friday, Oct. 16 at the Children's Hospital Bike Helmet Fitting. You can do your part to support this great cause by voting for the best fan photo at www.werealotlikeyou.com. Every vote you cast means another dollar donated to Children's Hospital by PEMCO Insurance. See you there!
    0 comments leave a comment

    Issaquah Salmon Days: O-fishaly A Good Time

    October 5, 2009 4:56pm
    posted by Peter Young in Washington
    Whoever said, "You can never go home again" has never met an Issaquah salmon!  Every year, nearly 20,000 salmon swim home to the Issaquah Creek and Salmon Hatchery to visit the lakes, streams and hatcheries they were born.

    Issaquah Salmon Days, hosted by the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, is a celebration of the annual Northwest salmon migration, and this weekend Brad, Steven and I attended the festival to celebrate with our fellow fish-loving friends. The festival attracts nearly 150,000 people over its two days and offers a wide variety of activities for attendees including food, arts and crafts, the salmon hatchery, music and more.

    Issaquah-Entry

    Over the course of the weekend we rocked out to the jazz tunes of the Rainy City Riff Raff, cheered on the pool-diving Puget Sound Dock Dogs, and of course, munched on the best grilled Salmon around from Kiwanis BBQ. 

    Issaquah-Talking

    As we snapped souvenir photos of our fellow festival-goers, we came to realize that like the salmon, people of the Northwest return to Issaquah Salmon Days each year from hundreds of miles around.  In fact, for many this festival has become a part of their yearly family traditions. We met salmon-lover Christine, a native Seattleite who has relocated to California but never fails to miss Salmon Days.

    "We grew up here in the Seattle area and we always attended Salmon Days. A lot has changed since we moved south to California but it gets bigger and better every year!  My favorite thing about this event is the salmon. My husband's brother always smokes a king salmon, and I have to say, there's nothing quite like a Northwest salmon--it's simply the best," Christine said.

    The salmon will be returning to the Issaquah Creek and Salmon Hatchery all the way into December, so it's not too late to catch a glimpse of these truly remarkable fish if you missed out this weekend.

    Issaquah-Fishies

    Speaking of "catching" – Don't forget to catch us this Sunday at Qwest field when the Seahawks take on the Jaguars and we continue our search for the most "Supercharged Seahawks Fan" at the PEMCO photo booth.
    0 comments leave a comment

    SNEAK PEAK: Can You Guess the Northwest Profile?

    October 1, 2009 1:45pm
    posted by Heidi Obbayi in Washington
    Hi there,

    Thanks for your response tweets. Your guesses about the newest PEMCO Northwest profiles are both interesting and creative, especially since we hadn't officially posted clues yet.   

    So without further ado, here are the clues - pictures that'll help you figure out the newest PEMCO Northwest profiles.

    Pocket      Buckle Loop

    What do you think? Which profiles will join "Walla Walla Wine Wine Woman Woman" and "Sandals and Socks Guy?" Post your guesses in the comments section.

    Thanks for sharing!

    Heidi Ob'bayi
    Brand Manager
    PEMCO Insurance
    1 comments leave a comment

    Port Gamble Old Mill Days: Cutting Loose with the Chainsaw Carvers

    September 29, 2009 11:07am
    posted by Steven Goodell in Washington
    Did you know that you can purchase insurance for a chainsaw? It's not as far-fetched as it sounds after spending the weekend in Northwest timber country!

    Woodcarving, forestry and monstrous saws were all part of the fun at the Old Mill Days in Port Gamble, WA where Peter, WALLY1 and I spent the weekend.  We had front row seats to all of the festival activities – from the famous Hot Saw competition where skilled chainsaw artists sculpted lifelike figures out of wood, to the lumberjack show where lumberjacks and "lumberjills" put their strength to the test in log rolling, springboard chopping and open axe throwing competitions.

    The PEMCO prize wheel was set up next to the buzzing woodcarving arena where the crowd cheered on the "Cunning Rogues" and "Wolf Pack" carving teams as they brought plain logs to life. Right before our eyes, eagles, bears and even a deep-sea diver came alive as the woodcarvers sawed away at their cedar stumps. Their chainsaws, powered by souped up truck engines, can chew through 2-foot logs in less than one second!

    Also present for the good-natured competition was the ever-jovial Mr. Steve Backus, your official PEMCO Northwest Profile #16 "Roadside Chainsaw Woodcarver" himself. Steve comes from a long line of woodcarvers and has been carving for more than 30 years. "It's what I love," he says.

    We'd like to send a special thanks out to carver Martin Smith who did a great job sprucing up the PEMCO bears – with their new carve job, they look as new as the day we got them!

    Here are our top five highlights from the event:

    1.  Peppy, the Jack Russell Terrier, fetching whole log rounds and rolling them back to his
         master.
    2.  A two-man chainsaw powered by a V-8 engine from a Buick!
    3.  A woodcarving of a raccoon that almost crossed the road.
    4.  Two woodsmen dueling to be the last one standing on a wildly floating, rolling log.
    5.  The sleeping little boy whose Radio-flyer wagon was outfitted into a bed on wheels. 

    See how many of these you can spot in our highlight video from the trip below:

    3 comments leave a comment

    Seahawks vs. Bears: The Faces of Hawk Nation

    September 28, 2009 2:03pm
    posted by Brad Baumgartner in Washington
    Face it, Seahawks fans are one-of-a-kind! On a day when the Seahawks unveiled their new, shockingly lime green jerseys, Hawk Nation fans were even more colorful. The PBA team – this week made up of  Alyssa, Kristi and I – hunkered down in Touchdown City before kickoff and snapped photos of excited 'Hawk fans. With the Chicago Bears in town, the crowd was extra boisterous in cheering on their beloved Seahawks.  

    There isn't much that can surprise us at the PEMCO booth anymore, but this week proved that Seahawks fans are always out-doing themselves when it comes to fan-wear. Fans flashed their blue and green pride at the photo booth, wearing everything from Seahawks sneakers to gleaming green facepaint. We all agreed, Qwest Field has never looked better!

    Here are our favorite snapshots of the day:

    Cute fans  Fans

    Fight  Shoes2
    Chime in and let us know which pictures show the most passionate and animated Seahawks fans. If you spot yourself, take pride in being one of the Seahawks' premier enthusiasts. You can also check out www.werealotlikeyou.com to vote for the "Supercharged Seahawks Fan" of the week. The winner gets their picture broadcast on HawkVision at the next home game. 

    Could you be next?

    The WALLY1 van will be back at Touchdown City on Oct. 11 when the Seahawks take on the Jaguars, so start practicing your best game day pose.  

    In other non-football news, the PBA team and WALLY1 will be at this weekend's Issaquah Salmon Days, and we can't wait to catch the Grande Parade, sample the delicious Foods of the World and enjoy the live entertainment – see you there!

    0 comments leave a comment

    SNEAK PEAK: A Glimpse into the Makings of a PEMCO Ad

    September 24, 2009 10:01pm
    posted by Heidi Obbayi in Washington
    Hello PEMCO in the Northwest Blog readers:

    We want to take this opportunity to thank you for joining us on our summer road trip as we crisscrossed the region in WALLY1 participating in a wide variety of community and sporting events throughout the state. From joining our fellow soccer enthusiasts in cheering on the Sounders to stepping up in eating contests at fairs, we've had fun meeting the colorful people of the Northwest on our journey. 

    When we first started this blog, it was our intention to create a virtual 'front porch' where we could all join in conversations about our shared values as Northwest residents. And many of you did! Folks jumped right in and offered wonderful feedback about our ad campaign, "We're A Lot Like You. A Little Different." and how you could relate to one of our quirky characters. You regaled us with your stories of how you recognized a family member or neighbor in one of our ads.

    As a token of our appreciation to all who piped up, we'd like to offer a behind-the-scenes look into how we create our Northwest Profiles by revealing clues from our production process. Below is a snapshot of the production team in action -- which new profile do you think is being shot here?

    Ad Photo Shoot

    In the next couple of weeks, be on the lookout for some interesting tweets from @PEMCO_NW that show a glimpse into what our newest Northwest Profiles will be. Feel free to leave your guesses on who will join "Sandals and Socks Guy" or "Relentless Recycler" as PEMCO's newest Northwest Profile in the comments section below.  For those that get real close to our chosen profiles, we'll send you a T-shirt when we launch the new ads. In the meantime, we invite you to please check out www.werealotlikeyou.com for a full listing of our current profile types.

    Thanks again,
    Heidi Ob'bayi
    Brand Manager
    PEMCO Insurance

    2 comments leave a comment

    A Taste of the Harvest: Hurry Up and Wait?

    September 21, 2009 4:48pm
    posted by Peter Young in Washington
    Have you ever been told to "hurry up and wait"? This weekend, the phrase took on a whole new meaning for Brad and I as we headed to Wenatchee for the annual A Taste of the Harvest festival.

    Each year, the city of Wenatchee hosts a festival in honor of the the previous year's bountiful harvest. Farmers bring colorful, delicious produce from all over the region in celebration of the land's richness and event attendees have a fabulous time sampling the local produce.

    While working at the PEMCO booth, Brad and I had a chance to cheer on a group of eager waiters and waitresses as they competed in the unique "Hurry up and Wait: A Waiters Race," which was modeled after Paris's traditional Bastille Day races. Contestants were each given a tray with a glass of cranberry juice and had to run the length of two full city blocks without spilling a drop. The contestant who spilled the least and crossed the finish line first was crowned the winner and took home a prize of $250!

    Watch as the contestants bolt from the starting line:



    We caught up with one of the contestants after her race.  She explained, "That was way more difficult than I thought it would be!  I even spilled some of the juice on my shirt, but luckily it should dry right off in this beautiful weather!"

    Wine boy  Wine girl

    All in all, Wenatchee's A Taste of the Harvest festival offered a yummy way to say goodbye to summer and to welcome in the fall.

    Up next for the PBAs: You can find us in Port Gamble for Old Mill Days, and next Sunday at Qwest Field as the Seahawks take on the Bears.

    0 comments leave a comment

    Sounders vs. Chivas USA: Cheering on our Champs

    September 21, 2009 2:58pm
    posted by Steven Goodell in Washington
    It takes more than a little game-day drizzle to put out the fire of Sounders FC fans! This Saturday the Sounders took on Chivas USA, and as the rain poured down, the fans poured into Qwest Field to enjoy one of the last home games of the season.

    While Brad and Peter brought WALLY1 to get a taste of the harvest in Wenatchee, Caity and I joined by a few other PEMCO friends, were busy at the PEMCO photo booth snapping pictures of all the fans who braved the gray clouds and drizzle to cheer on their Sounders.

    Seattle fans, still buzzing from the Sounders' US Open Cup win, couldn't wait to show us how proud they are of their team. We loved seeing the creative tributes they brought by the booth for a PEMCO photo. 

    These fans created a "Sounders Silverware" banner to commemorate the occasion:

    Sounders Silverware


    Stephanie, a frequent visitor at the PEMCO booth, was so thrilled with the win she spent 10 hours making this papier-mâché and Styrofoam U.S. Open Cup tribute - that's dedication!

    stephanie and trophy

    And on the topic of Sounders dedication, we met one family who arrived at Qwest Field after a 12-hour train ride from Boulder, MT. They got off the train and headed straight for the Sounders match, without so much as a stop for food or a change of clothes! 

    This family's enthusiasm got us thinking: What's the longest distance you've traveled to see your Sounders play? What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get to a match?

    Leave us a comment below or tell us in person on Sept. 28 at the Port Gamble Old Mill Days -- the next stop on our WALLY1 Northwest Roadtrip. We can't wait to hear from you!

    0 comments leave a comment

    Winning Sounders Chant Unveiled!

    September 15, 2009 1:18pm
    posted by Peter Young in Washington
    Attention Sounders fans!  Ready to show our U.S. Open Cup Trophy champs some Emerald City love? 

    As part of PEMCO's "Do You Have Chanting Chops" Sounders chant contest, we're bringing you the winning fan chant that's about to sweep Qwest Field on Sept. 19 at the Sounders vs. Chivas game at 12 p.m. 

    Thanks to David Glenn Taylor for submitting his winning chant at www.werealotlikeyou.com.  It was selected out of more than 50 entries to be chanted on Saturday when the Sounders take on the Chivas.   Now, PEMCO is unveiling the chant in preparation for Saturday's match, so get out your scarves and warm up your vocal chords, because it's time for you to show us your true Sounders spirit!

    Leaders: We march to Battle!
    Crowd: Sounders Pride!
    Leaders: We stand as One!
    Crowd: Arms out wide!
    Leaders: We live our colors!
    Crowd: Green and Blue!
    Everyone: WE ARE THE SOUNDERS!! FOREVER TRUE!!

    Look for the chant to appear on Sounder Vision between the fifth and tenth minute of the first half, and get ready to chant along.  Be sure to stop by the PEMCO booth in the North Lot of Qwest Field before the game to get your souvenir "'I Know I Am, I'm Sure I Am' Sounders FC Fan" photo, too – which will include the new Sounders chant so you can sing it out loud and proud!

    Not sure if you're ready to belt?  Check out our chanting chops as Brad, Steven and I demonstrate the winning sound of the Sounders:




    31 comments leave a comment

    Seahawks vs. Rams: Kicking off the Season with a Smile

    September 14, 2009 2:22pm
    posted by Brad Baumgartner in Washington
    And away we go!  Football season is finally under way in the Emerald City, and it's time to dust off those blue wigs and fly those 12th Man flags proudly. This weekend, the Seahawks kicked off the 2009 season with a 28-0 blowout victory over the St. Louis Rams, and the PEMCO Brand Ambassador team of Peter, Steven and I joined the fans in giving the Hawks a mighty "welcome back."

    At the PEMCO photo booth, fans may come and go, but some leave a lasting impression.  This week we had the chance to capture three memorable moments at the PEMCO booth, all before kick-off!

    First we met a group of enthusiastic ladies who dropped by to share their "Supercharged Seahawks Fan" story.  Clad in matching Seahawks T-shirts, Jacqueline, Brielle, Tawny and Haley belted out, "Hawkaaw, Hawkaaw!" and explained how the chant is a tribute to their late friend Gordy Hawkes who used the chant as a pump-up rally cry before every Seahawks game. 
    Hawkaa Girls

    That catchy chorus wasn't the only memorable line we heard in Touchdown City. We witnessed a marriage proposal as Aaron from Olympia dropped to one knee and popped the question to his girlfriend Danielle. Aaron said he knows how much Danielle loves the Seahawks, and so he planned out every detail of the surprise proposal – from the question outside Qwest Field to their stop by the PEMCO booth for a photo to commemorate the day. Danielle's heartfelt "I do" made the moment unforgettable. Aaron professed that he is the luckiest man (and fan) alive!

    Proposal

    It must have been our lucky day too.  The PBA team got a magical surprise as Ralph, a renowned magician, astonished and dazzled the Seahawks faithful during the pre-game festivities.  He amazed us with some simple - although head-scratching - card tricks.  I still don't know how Ralph managed to deceive us, but he certainly convinced us that there is magic in the air at Qwest Field on Seahawk game day!

    Magician

    All in all, I can't think of a better way to spend my Sunday morning than with Hawk Nation.  We're ready to do it all over again in two weeks when the Seahawks host the Chicago Bears on Sept. 27.  As for WALLY1, he'll make his next appearance this weekend in Wenatchee for the Taste of the Harvest.

    0 comments leave a comment

    The Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days: WALLY1 Visits Walla Walla

    September 8, 2009 1:13pm
    posted by Steven Goodell in Washington
    Western Washington may be greener, but as Brad, Peter and I discovered this weekend, Eastern Washington is just as colorful!
     
    We spent Labor Day Weekend at the Walla Walla Fairgrounds, home to the Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days, which is the oldest fair in Washington.  Our days were filled with junior tractor pulls, mutton busting (a youngster's version of bull riding) and nightly roundups of buffalo, horses and long horn steers.

    We started Saturday off with an incredibly warm welcome for WALLY1 (the PEMCO van) in the Frontier Days Parade. It was all smiles and wags as the PEMCO Northwest Profile #96 "Walla Walla Wine Wine Guy Guys" handed doggie treats to our parade-going K-9 friends. We were even serenaded by our fellow parade-goers, the band "Steppin' Country," who performed live music and line dancing from their moving stage.

    After the parade it was off to the fair where folks tried their hand at the PEMCO Prize Wheel. Throughout the day a colorful stream of people visited our booth, including T.R. from Burbank, WA.  I complimented T.R. on his deer antler necktie (see picture below), but he quickly informed me that "Wild-rag" is the proper term on this side of the state!  

    Wildrag

    From the PEMCO booth we took in all the sights and sounds of the fair, including a pedal-powered junior tractor pull. These five-year-old contestants hauled loads up to 150 pounds!

    Junior Tractor Pull  Junior Tractor Pull 2

    The most exciting entertainment of the night came when Nevada Slim & Cimarron Sue took the stage next to WALLY1 and serenaded the crowd with their spirited twist on traditional western music:

    Nevada Slim

    We had a rockin' good time at the Walla Walla Fairgrounds this weekend, and we want to thank everyone who stopped by the PEMCO booth to say hello. We're fairly certain Walla Walla has always been WALLY1's favorite town in Washington, and after this weekend, it just might be ours too!
    0 comments leave a comment

    Seahawks vs. Raiders: Supercharged Fans Show Us Their Supercharged Spirit

    September 4, 2009 1:45pm
    posted by Brad Baumgartner in Washington
    They say the early bird gets the worm, but in Touchdown City, early Seahawks fans get something much better - a "Supercharged Seahawks Fan" photo and a chance to check out PEMCO's WALLY1 van.  

    Yesterday evening, Peter, Steven and I headed over to the Qwest Field Event Center to capture fan photos during the much-anticipated pre-game festivities.  The Seahawks took on the Oakland Raiders, and there's no doubt about it – we Seattleites take our football seriously!  We were blown away by the fan's raucous energy, despite the fact the game was a pre-season chance for some friendly competition.  Before the game, we spotted fans adorned with face paint, sporting colored wigs and wearing customized jerseys to showcase their "Supercharged Seahawks Fan" personalities.  

    The most memorable fan of the night was a man who dubbed himself the "Sea Rooster" – complete with a personalized jersey, beak, and feathers galore.

     Rooster 1    Rooster 2

    We thought we had seen it all until a young lady by the name of Tabitha paid us a visit.  She caught our eye with a gregarious grin of green and blue braces that she proudly showed off with each smile.  Tabitha, a native of Redmond, has been a "Supercharged Seahawks Fan" for years and decided to show her Hawk spirit in a very unique way!  

    Braces

    Manning the PEMCO booth is always entertaining, and Thursday's game was no exception.  We kept our ears open all night and captured our top three fan quotes from the pre-game celebration:

    • "What the heck is a Raider?"  – We heard quite a few hecklers chime in with this question as we snapped photos of diehard Raiders fans who had road-tripped all the way up to Seattle from Southern California for the game.
    • "Oh, they're priceless"  - One dedicated Seahawks fan told everyone in line at the PEMCO booth that his collection of "Supercharged Seahawks Fan" photos are priceless mementos of a great time.  "I get my picture taken at every game," he said.  "They're the best!  I pin them up in my office at work and all of my coworkers are jealous!" 
    • "This is why I'm the better half." - A Seahawks fan gave this excuse as she apologized for her husband, a decked-out Raiders fan, who was adorned with a spray painted wig, Raiders jersey and face paint in his team's colors.
    As the new trio of PBAs, we relished the opportunity to meet the legions of "Supercharged Seahawks Fans" – and some Raiders fans too! - and we look forward to the Hawk's season opener on Sept. 13 against the St. Louis Rams. 

    Peter, Steven and I are making our next appearance in Walla Walla this Saturday for the Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days.  We've heard Walla Walla is so nice that you have to say it twice, so with that in mind: "See you there" and "See you there!"

    0 comments leave a comment

    Sounders vs. Toronto: A Fun Match, A Fond Farewell

    August 31, 2009 1:49pm
    posted by Suz Chen in Washington
    Elaborate painted faces, green and blue Mohawks, festive scarves, thunderous cheers, ear-to- ear smiles and die-hard soccer fans… it's hard to say what we'll miss most about manning the PEMCO booth at Sounders games!

    After a fun and memorable season, the time has come for Anna and me to bid a fond farewell to our friends at Qwest Field.  On what is our last day of running the fan photo program, we want to thank everyone for allowing us to capture your Sounders spirit on film and join in the pregame fun.

    Suz and Anna Sounders
     
    We thought long and hard about our favorite Sounders moments, but couldn't pick just one.  Therefore, in honor of our newfound friends and loyal regulars, we created a top seven list of our fondest match-day memories:

    7.  Becoming as efficient as a Nascar pit crew when our photo paper ran out – which  was without fail when the line was the longest! 

    6.  Learning to stuff lanyards in ten seconds flat without creasing fan photos—seriously folks, it's all in the flick of the wrist!

    5.  Groovin' to the crazy beats of the Sound Wave band.

    4.  Being known as the "over-caffeinated" Sounders FC fans – our "Super-Long Coffee Orderer" T-shirts and constant lattes helped us live up to our nickname.

    3. Hearing how much people enjoy the Northwest Profiles, and meeting more "Sandals and Socks Guys" than we even knew existed!

    2.  Capturing the spirited poses of devoted fans week after week as they enjoyed the inaugural Sounders FC season.

    1. Getting to know our regulars.  We will miss you – you know who you are!  

    Thank you to everyone for such a wonderful season!  We enjoyed every minute of our time at Qwest Field and are looking forward to hearing if the "Supercharged Seahawks fans" are as devoted as you, the "'I know I am, I'm sure I am' Sounders FC fans."

    And remember, be kind and patient with the new PEMCO Brand Ambassadors, Brad and Stephen -- we promise they will be stuffing lanyards like pros in no time!  You will see them next, along with Peter, back here at Qwest Field when the Seahawks take on Oakland on Sept. 3.

    Farewell friends!



    2 comments leave a comment

    PEMCO Night at the Races: NASCAR-tastic!

    August 31, 2009 11:55am
    posted by Anna Friedman in Washington
    Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!  

    On Saturday, Peter, Suz and I put on our racing gear and headed out to Evergreen Speedway's NASCAR Night at the Races for some high-speed, action-packed auto races.

    As the competition heated up around the racetrack, engines of a different sort were revving up nearby.  A local group of "Roadside Chainsaw Woodcarvers" teamed up to create a one-of-a-kind trophy for NASCAR winners.  The carvers created their wooden masterpieces on the raceway sidelines in less than ten minutes!  

    We, along with  hundreds of spectators, watched in awe as the masters of the saw skillfully chipped and sawed away at a plain stump of wood until it took the form of a trophy - complete with a racecar to top it off.



    Why do the carvers move in a constant circle around their work?   Joaquin, a seasoned woodcarver for over 31 years, explained, "You just have to keep moving in a circle or else you might end up cutting off something you don't want to!"  Ouch!

    In addition to the trophy, the woodcarvers also produced a wood-carved bear and gave it to us as a token of their appreciation.  We are proud to welcome "T.P." to our PBA team, and Chipper (our current bear) is happy to finally have some company.  


    T.P. the Bear  Woodcarvers and Anna



    Since, sadly, this is the last event for Suz and me as PBAs, we feel that T.P. is an appropriate memento for us to leave behind for future PBAs to come.  This has truly been a wonderful experience that I'll never forget.  Over and out!

    0 comments leave a comment

    Seahawks vs. Broncos: Who's Feeling Supercharged?

    August 24, 2009 6:49pm
    posted by Caity McKean in Washington
    Touchdown! Though it may still seem a little early for football season, the Seattle Seahawks already have two wins against their pre-season opponents -- and in keeping with this winning tradition, PEMCO is teaming up with the 'Hawks once again to bring back profile #12, the "Supercharged Seahawks Fan."

    As part of its second-consecutive-season partnership with Seattle's NFL team, PEMCO and the PEMCO Brand Ambassadors will be revving up "supercharged" fans before every home game from the WALLY1 van inside Qwest Field's Touchdown City.

    This past Saturday, August 22, marked the pre-season home-game opener and fans flocked to the field to cheer on the Seahawks as they took on the Denver Broncos. Although it was 75 degrees and sunny – not your typical football weather – there was something in the air in Touchdown City that convinced us it was time to play some pig-skin.

    Here were some of the tell-tale signs…

    • The pulse of the Blue Thunder drum line beat strong and steady
    • The powerful smell of garlic fries wafted through the stadium
    • Green and blue were popular hair colors among guys and grandmas alike
    • Cars flying 12th Man flags lined Seattle's SoDo streets
    • Energetic and bedazzled Junior Sea Gals practiced their moves for a show-stopping halftime performance
    • And of course, PEMCO was in full-force snapping "Supercharged Seahawks Fan" photos for fans, families and football buffs entering the game.
    Sounders v. Broncos

    And it's only just begun! We'll be posted at Touchdown City for three hours before kick-off at every home game through the rest of the season. Make sure to swing by and show us your supercharged game face and stay tuned for chances to win supercharged prizes as the season progresses!

    0 comments leave a comment

    Sounders vs. the New England Revolution: Friendly Fan Competition

    August 21, 2009 4:27pm
    posted by Anna Friedman in Washington

    During yesterday's pre-game festivities at Qwest Field, PEMCO teamed up with KZOK to celebrate the end of summer and kick-off the fall sports season with a tailgate party.

    KZOK set up a mini-soccer field across from the WALLY1 van and sponsored a promotional contest for fans to kick a soccer ball between two cups serving as a makeshift goal. Peter, Caity, and I looked on as KZOK's on-air personality, Pedro, prepared fans for the kick-off:

    Sounders v Revloution game time

    The best part of the contest? The winners received a PEMCO NW Profile T-Shirt!

    Even our very own Peter Young had a go at the contest, but unfortunately for Peter, the ball didn't quite make it between the goal posts. He still insists it's harder than it looks!

    Sounders v Revolution: Peter kicking

    Over at the PEMCO booth, everyone showed their best "'I know I am, I'm sure I am' Sounders FC fan" face…

    Sounders v Revolution: Fan

    Sounders v Revolution: Little fan

    Even the littlest fans!

    Suffice it to say, KZOK and PEMCO have revolutionized the concept of tailgating! Instead of hotdogs and burgers, this Sounder's tailgate featured something a little different. Thanks for everyone who came out and kicked it with us.

    Now that tailgating season has officially begun at Qwest field, we're excited for football season to begin! Look for us at the Seahawks pre-game season game this Saturday, Aug. 22 and get your souvenir photo snapped as a "Supercharged Seahawks Fan"!


    0 comments leave a comment

    Uncovered: Pasta Contest at South Lake Union Block Party

    August 18, 2009 9:20am
    posted by Anna Friedman in Washington
    This just in: PEMCO Brand Ambassadors Suz and Peter discover a hidden talent for…pasta diving!

    Check out this video of PEMCO Brand Ambassadors Suz and Peter participating in the Whole Foods pasta challenge at the South Lake Union Block Party.



    While Suz came out victorious over all, both should be proud of this accomplishment. Now, can someone get them a napkin?
    2 comments leave a comment

    A Taste of Edmonds: A True Gastronomical Adventure

    August 16, 2009 2:44pm
    posted by Suz Chen in Washington
    On the third and last day of A Taste of Edmonds, Peter, Anna, and I managed to take a final bite out of all the delicious dishes the festival had to offer.  From rosemary meatballs to crispy crab cakes to sweet strawberry shortcake, we tasted some of the Northwest's finest fare – suffice it to say, it's time to give our stomachs a much-needed rest.

    edmonds 1

    Here's a look at some of our favorite moments from this fun, food-filled weekend:

    1. Enjoying tasty gourmet blackberry popcorn made by a local Washington family. Yum!
    2. Meeting new friends at neighboring booths – from Mertha, a local importer of velvet  scarfs, to Mehndi Madness, a group of henna and jagua temporary tattoo artists. What a feeling of community we've created after spending three days together!
    3. Hearing Sir Mix-A-Lot prove to Northwesterners his "Baby [still] Got Back!"
    4. Exploring the beautiful and colorful City of Edmonds.
    5. Realizing just how many Edmonds residents are PEMCO policy holders - a record high for a single event.
    6. Enjoying the daring balancing act of Charlie the Juggler (see the picture we snapped below)
    7. Getting Tully's coupons from the Fair Rewards station - we love our local coffee.
    8. Holding conversations with countless festival goers about their favorite Northwest   Profiles - as usual, most were Sandals and Socks Guy fans.
    9. Feeling the warmth of the sun as it made its welcomed debut after a few gray and rainy Northwest days.
    10. Sampling cuisine from local vendors and restaurants - it is A Taste of Edmonds, after all.
     
    charlie juggler

    So with full bellies and satisfied taste buds, we fondly bid our new Taste of Edmonds friends goodbye. We enjoyed our long weekend of good food and new friends – it was truly a gastronomical adventure for everyone involved!

    We hope you can visit us on Aug. 20 as we travel to Qwest field in Seattle for the Sounders vs. New England Revolution match.
    0 comments leave a comment

    A Taste of Edmonds: A Recipe for Fun...

    August 14, 2009 4:13pm
    posted by Anna Friedman in Washington
    What do you get when you mix two parts fun, a dash of music, a pinch of local artists, and a scoopful of delicious food?  A fabulous day at A Taste of Edmonds.

    Every year in August, the city of Edmonds comes alive to celebrate the community and sample lots of appetizing cuisine from local chefs and vendors.  The festival takes place on Bell Street and the Civic Center Playfield between 7th Avenue and 6th Avenue.

    edmonds 2

    Walking around the grounds to check out all the booth offerings, fellow Brand Ambassadors Peter, Suz and I, found it hard to resist the enticing melting pot of tastes and smells in our midst.  With so many delectable options, we put our heads together to compile a list of the top dishes we can't wait to try this weekend.

    In no particular order:

    •    Swedish meatballs with lingonberries
    •    Southern style pulled pork barbecue sandwich
    •    French crepes with bananas and chocolate
    •    New Orleans-style Louisiana crab cakes and jambalaya
    •    Kafe Neo gyros
    •    Scotty's blackened salmon caesar salad
    •    Bavarian bratwurst
    •    Tibetan cuisine

    edmonds 3

    Is your mouth watering yet? 

    If you are in the area, come check out A Taste of Edmonds, it's sure to be a fun and scrumptious time. Gates open at 11 a.m. tomorrow and festivities continue until 10 p.m. Be sure to stop by the PEMCO booth for the chance to win some fantastic prizes. Look for our green van on Bell St. by the Red Gate.
    0 comments leave a comment

    South Lake Union Block Party: Celebrating for a cause

    August 10, 2009 4:00pm
    posted by Peter Young in Washington
    Live music, mouth-watering food, and the company of good friends and family – just add a sunny day to the mix and you've got the perfect recipe for the annual South Lake Union Block Party in Seattle.

    SLU Block Party

    On Friday, Anna, Suz and I spent the day at the PEMCO booth talking with families, neighbors and fans of the South Lake Union neighborhood. The block party brings people together to sample food from local restaurants, groove to live bands and even participate in watermelon eating contests, all for a good cause. 

    The community selected a local South Lake Union nonprofit, Immanuel Community Services (ICS), to benefit from this year's block party.  ICS has been providing assistance to people in the community for over 35 years through the operation of a local food bank, community luncheon program, hygiene program and residential recovery program.

    Not many people know about the ICS programs, though they assist 400-500 families annually in the Cascade and South Lake Union neighborhoods as well as the greater Seattle area.  We learned that the Hygiene Center alone provides showers and clean clothes for 100 people every week, allowing them to live and work in the community with dignity.  Visitors are given toiletries like razors, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes and soap, often made possible by the donations of local community members.  In addition, ICS coordinates a community lunch that takes place on the last Sunday of every month.  The free lunch is open to anyone who wishes to come, and more than 200 people are served each Sunday.

    We had a great time at this year's block party and feel lucky to have been a part of something that supports such a good cause in the community. 

    Look for us in the coming weeks as we take our PEMCO show on the road!  You can find us next at A Taste of Edmonds on Aug.14-16.
     
    0 comments leave a comment

    Sounders FC vs. FC Barcelona: Not so friendly for the Sounders

    August 6, 2009 3:04pm
    posted by Peter Young in Washington
    Last night’s Sounders match was unlike anything Seattle soccer fans have seen.  More than 66,000 people packed the stadium (the largest crowd ever in Sounders FC history) as our hometown team took on the defending European club and Spanish league champion, FC Barcelona.   

    Though Anna, Suz and I have spent many Sounders games stationed with WALLY1 (the PEMCO van) outside the north entrance of Qwest Field, never before have we seen a more passionate crowd – most decked out in blue and green jerseys (along with some Barcelona pinkish-orange dotting the crowd).  

    Sounders and Barcelona fans alike lined up to show support for their favorite team as we snapped their "'I Know I Am, I'm Sure I Am' Sounders FC Fan" photos. This was by far the busiest Sounders game yet at the PEMCO booth, and the line for pictures stretched all the way into the street for four straight hours.

    As native Seattleites, all three of us have always firmly believed that Sounders fans are the most loyal, enthusiastic, and passionate fans in the world.  That, of course, was before we met the Barcelona, or ‘Barca,’ fans.  Barca’s motto is “El Barca es mes que un club” or “Barca is more than a club” – and how true this is.  

    To the fans we met, soccer is not just a game, but a way of life.  Many had followed their team all the way from Spain, and when they all joined together to sing the Himno, or ‘the stirring,’ as the match began, we couldn’t help but wish we could join in, if only for a moment.

    Though the Sounders brought their best spirit, in the end it wasn’t enough to beat Barcelona on the field. Barcelona jumped out to an early lead, and was up by 2 at the end of the first half. Heading into the second half Barcelona continued to dominate and eventually put two more into the net, shutting out the Sounders with a final score of 4-0.

    The Sounders are currently second place in the Western Conference standings, trailing first place team Houston Dynamo by only six points.

    Despite the loss, Sounder spirit is still strong in the Emerald City, so be sure to catch us at the next home match Aug. 20 when the Sounders take on the New England Revolution. Go Sounders!

    0 comments leave a comment

    Smiles for Miles at Everett’s National Night Out Against Crime

    August 5, 2009 3:01pm
    posted by Anna Friedman in Washington
    Smile: Check!  Fingerprint: Check! Height and Weight: Check!  

    Believe it or not, protecting your child from harm can be just that easy.

    Yesterday the PEMCO Brand Ambassadors (minus Peter) were honored to participate in Everett's Night Out Against Crime event, held annually by the Everett Police Department and members of the local business community.   The family event is part of a national campaign to promote crime and drug prevention by strengthening community spirit through neighborhood block parties and gatherings. 

    We teamed up with Claudia McClain and her crew from McClain Insurance Services to promote neighborhood safety with help from the PEMCO photo program.

    As Seattle sports fans may recall, we often use our photo program to take snapshots of Sounders FC and Seahawks fans, but this time its purpose was, as PEMCO would say, "a little different."  Using our (well-practiced) photography skills, we captured the beautiful smiles—and a few silly faces—of our youngest Northwest residents and printed them off to be used for identification purposes in Child ID Booklets.  It was the perfect activity for this event:  kids couldn't get enough of the finger printing and personal photo shoots and parents appreciated its practicality!

    everett night out - fingerprints

    Throughout the evening, we picked up some helpful tips from the Everett Police Department about child safety that we want to share with you:

    1. Talking to your child about safety is important!  But be sure to do it in a calm and non-threatening manner.
    2. Encourage open communication with your child.
    3. Teach your child to say "no" in uncomfortable or scary situations.
    4. If you are in a public place, make sure that you have a plan in case you get separated from your child.
    5. Have rules and guidelines about giving out personal information on the internet.
    6. Know the whereabouts of your child and how to reach them at all times.

    We hope you find these tips helpful, and if you have a child, be sure to make them an ID booklet -- it could save a life!

    everett night out

    We'll be back to snapping photos of Sounders fans tonight at Qwest field as the Sounders take on international powerhouse FC Barcelona.  See you then!

    0 comments leave a comment

    Behind the Scenes at the Seafair Chevrolet Cup and Key Bank Air Show

    August 3, 2009 2:52pm
    posted by Suz Chen in Washington
    Fancy yourself a Seafair expert?  Think you know everything there is to know about the festivities?  Well think again, my friend!  

    This weekend Anna, Peter and I spent three days running the photo program, prize wheel and poster decorating station at the PEMCO booth at Genesee Park to finish out this summer's Seafair celebration.  Between the three of us (having all grown up in the Seattle-area), we thought we knew all there was to know about Seafair – that is, until we met Adam Isaacson, a Seafair volunteer and lifelong enthusiast.
    Between events, we had the chance to ask him a few questions to capture an insider's view of Seafair.  Here's the scoop, straight from a Seafair veteran:

    How long have you been volunteering and attending this event?

    Adam:  I've been attending since I was a kid and volunteering since age 16—so about 7 years now!

    What do you actually do as a volunteer?

    Adam:  I do just about everything and anything!  I'm a part of the "gofer team" – we're basically helping hands for anyone who needs us.  We drive golf carts, unload vehicles and take care of whatever else needs to be done.

    What is your favorite part of Seafair?

    Adam:  I love the community of volunteers.  Many of us stay the entire week down here at Genesee Park and I get to meet people from all walks of life.  I also love the Blue Angels!  The coolest experience I had was helping my uncle directly with the Blue Angels.

    One year I got to valet their cars—they have Corvettes to drive around for the weekend!—and helped to carry their equipment.

    This year, on one of the 90+ degree days, I also got to jump off the Blue Angels' VIP dock after a long, hot day of work.  That was pretty refreshing!

    What is your most outrageous Seafair moment?

    Adam:  Well, one year my cousin fell off of a barge while we were watching the fireworks—he tripped over a rope and lost his phone.  It actually ended up being an entire evening of mishaps though!  We had to take a boat back from the barge and it wouldn't start.  We tried calling around to get towed, but all the other boats were busy.

    So we had to lie down in the bottom of the boat all huddled together to stay out of the wind and keep warm.  Finally, after an hour and a half, we were picked up.  The worst part of this story is that the only thing wrong with the boat was that one switch had been accidentally switched off!    

    Well, Adam, we're glad everything went smoothly this weekend, and we're thankful for you and your fellow volunteers – your hard work and enthusiastic Seattle spirit made Seafair an undeniable success! 

    If you missed us at Seafair this year, no worries!  We'll be in Everett on Tuesday, Aug. 4 for the Night Out Against Crime and, of course, at the Sounders FC game on Wednesday, Aug. 5.  See you there!

    0 comments leave a comment

    PEMCO Contest: Share your Super-Long Coffee Order

    July 30, 2009 2:44pm
    posted by Caity McKean in Washington
    Mocha? Venti? Demi? Single?

    We've noticed that Northwest people like their coffee order to be unique – it's like our very own java fingerprint. Even a "regular coffee" becomes a "16-oz. drip with one Splenda, one raw sugar and a splash of 2 percent. Oh, and I brought my own travel mug."

    This weekend, we're saluting the quirky coffee drink orders – sometimes full of seemingly incongruous ingredients -- rattled off at neighborhood coffee shops throughout the Northwest.

    Do you have a super-long (or super-creative) coffee order? We'd love for you to tell us!  

    Let us know your preferred coffee beverage for a chance to win a PEMCO prize worthy of any coffee lover.  Winning entries will convey creativity, drinkability and unique Northwest flare.

    For inspiration, take a listen to PEMCO's Profile #76: The Super-Long Coffee Orderer radio spot here: http://tinyurl.com/nt7cp5 

    super long coffee
                                                    
    Ways to enter:
    1. Post a comment below describing your super-long order (Be sure to include your e-mail address so we can contact you if you've won)
    2. Send us a tweet at @PEMCO_NW
    3. Visit the PEMCO booth at (look for our big green van!) at the Seafair Chevrolet Cup and KeyBank Air Show July 31 – August 2.  We'll be offering interactive activities that will put even the most skilled baristas to the test!
    We'll announce the winners Saturday, Aug. 1 from our booth space in Genesee Park at Seafair, so be sure to stop by. Can't make it to the booth? We'll contact you if you've won.
     
    0 comments leave a comment

    The PEMCO Brand Ambassador’s Guide to Beating the Heat

    July 29, 2009 12:43pm
    posted by Suz Chen in Washington
    As PEMCO Brand Ambassadors, we've learned a few things about surviving (and thriving!) in summertime's hot weather. 

    sun

    Gathered from trips east of the Cascades and enduring Seattle's recent swelter, here's our "top seven" countdown to staying cool when the temperatures rise:

    7.  Grab a refreshing iced coffee to start the morning out right.
    6.  Use sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! Remember to re-apply throughout the day.
    5.  Keep a 24-pack of water bottles and a cooler filled with ice nearby. Hydration is key!
    4.  Stay simple – wear weather-appropriate clothes and shoes.
    3.  A spray bottle fan. What a simple, yet highly useful, invention!
    2.  Shades! Wear sunglasses to save your eyes from the sun's glaring rays.
    1.  Pick up a PEMCO Sun Kit – stocked with sunscreen, blistex, and other first-aid goodies.  Get yours at the PEMCO booth at Seafair this weekend. Look for our big green van in Genesee Park on Lake Washington!

    Stay cool Northwesterners!  Visit us this weekend at the Seafair Chevrolet Cup and Key Bank Air Show from July 31 – August 2. 

    Have another fool-proof way to stay cool when it's hot? Share it in the comments below!
    0 comments leave a comment

    Sounders vs. Fire Match: Bring on the clowns!

    July 27, 2009 3:06pm
    posted by Caity McKean in Washington

    seafair clowns logo

    Green jerseys, excited fans and the aroma of stadium hot dogs are what you'd expect at a Sounders match … but clowns?

    This weekend, Kristi, Meredith and I staffed the PEMCO photo booth and watched Seafair clowns take Qwest Field by storm bringing laughter, color, and a dash of mischievousness to fans before the afternoon match against the Chicago Fire.  

    After attending 18 Sounders matches this season, folks at the PEMCO booth have become accustomed to seeing all sorts of crazy things at Sounders games. From fans in gorilla suits to groups shouting wild Sounders chants, we're always ready for an exciting time. This, though, was the first time we were greeted by more than 20 costume-clad clowns ready to meet fans and cheer on the Sounders.

    The clowns generously posed with fans as they stopped by the PEMCO booth to get their "'I Know I Am, I'm Sure I Am' Sounders FC Fan" souvenir photos snapped.  One large clown in a red polka-dot dress made balloon animals for an excited group of kids and explained that he loves seeing PEMCO at the Seafair activities around Seattle.  "It seems like every parade we go to or event that we clown around at, we stop by to see the friendly people at the PEMCO booth – you guys are the best!" he exclaimed.  

    One little fan we met was Gigi, a three-month old Sounders fan who proudly sported a green headband to show off her Sounders spirit.  "This is her first soccer game," her mom explained.  "And she's already a Sounders fan for life!  All the energy and excitement out here is contagious – I've never seen her so alert!"  

    Though the game ended in a draw, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. From the lively group Seafair clowns to Gigi, "the littlest fan," the community came together to support the Sounders for another great game.  

    Be sure to stop by the PEMCO booth next week when the Sounders take on FC Barcelona August 5. 
    0 comments leave a comment

    Tri-City Water Follies: Day 3

    July 26, 2009 3:04pm
    posted by Suz Chen in Washington
    It's the final day of the Tri-City Water Follies and Anna, Peter and I are all a bit sad to see this exciting, exhilarating event come to a close. We had such a wonderful time in Kennewick, WA and thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the friendly locals at the PEMCO booth. 

    It's hard to say what we loved most about our trip across the state, but we thought we would give you a taste of the fun times we've had. So without further ado, here are the PEMCO Brand Ambassador's Top Ten Greatest Moments at the Tri-City Water Follies:

    tcwf day 3

      1. Watching the F-16 during the air show perform the "muscle climb" and zoom vertically from a mere 500 ft to 15,000 ft in just seconds;
      2. Meeting friendly Tri-City PEMCO policyholders and introducing them to our WALLY1 van;
      3. Helping enthusiastic kids create colorful signs to cheer on their favorite racers;
      4. Waving at trendy golf cart commuters;
      5. Experiencing not one, but two drive-by spray bottle mistings by a "Tri-City Tan Muscle Man";
      6. People-watching at the PEMCO booth and noting the unique fashions worn by fans: inflatable hydro hats, vibrantly colorful bathing suits, mullets, and, of course, racing attire;
      7. Watching the dramatic PEMCO Insurance Heat 2A where J. Michael Kelly flipped his hydroplane and Steve David of "Oh Boy, Oberto" sealed his victory;
      8. Observing the slow reddening of skin as spectators reclined on the shore of the Columbia River;
      9. Enjoying delicious and refreshing sno-cones; and
      10. Surviving the scorching heat completely sunburn free!
    tcwf day 3 (2)
    0 comments leave a comment

    Tri-City Water Follies: Day 2

    July 25, 2009 3:39pm
    posted by Peter Young in Washington

    On Day 2 of the Tri-City Water Follies, Anna, Suz and I had front row seats for all the best hydro action at the PEMCO booth. But we quickly learned that despite the name, Water Follies is not just about the hydro racing action on the Columbia River – it includes an exciting air show as well!

    Here are two of our favorite shows in the sky and some fun facts we learned:

    • HAPO Over the River Air Show: The HAPO Air Show is the second-most attended event at the Tri-City Water Follies. Its exciting line-up includes famous planes like the North American B-25 Pacific Prowler. These types of planes were made famous during the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, which took place four months after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.

    Pacific Prowler


    • United States Coast Guard Search and Rescue: For us, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) helicopter show was a great demonstration of what actually goes into a search and rescue mission – much practice. We watched in awe as the hoist operator, pilots and rescue swimmer made the rescue mission look effortless. As the plane hovered in the air, the hoist operator lowered the rescue swimmer into the water. About 15 feet from the water, the rescue swimmer jumped into the water and made the rescue within minutes. As the saying goes, "practice makes perfect."

    If you missed the air shows today, do not despair! Here's the schedule for tomorrow's events:

    Sunday, July 26

    10 a.m. — Opening ceremonies

    11:40 a.m. — PEMCO Insurance unlimited heat 2A

    12:10 p.m. — PEMCO Insurance unlimited heat 2B

    12:30 p.m. — HAPO Community Credit Union Over the River Air Show

    1:30 p.m. — Vintage hydros

    1:55 p.m. — Conover Insurance unlimited heat 3A

    2:25 p.m. — Conover Insurance unlimited heat 3B

    2:50 p.m. — Unlimited lights B-Main

    3:10 p.m. — Buffalo Brothers unlimited provisional

    3:30 p.m. — Coast Guard helicopter rescue demonstration

    4 p.m. — HAPO Community Credit Union Over the River Air Show

    4:40 p.m. — ULHRA Thunder Cup for unlimited light hydroplanes

    5:05 p.m. — Lamb Weston Columbia Cup for unlimited hydroplanes

    0 comments leave a comment

    Tri-City Water Follies: Day 1

    July 24, 2009 3:16pm
    posted by Anna Friedman in Washington
    Forget your morning latte – there's nothing like the roar of a hydroplane zipping across the Columbia River at 7 a.m. to get you alert for the day!

    Suz, Peter and I arrived at Columbia Park in Kennewick, WA bright and early this morning to set up the PEMCO booth for the annual Tri-City Water Follies.  The heat of the sun (even as early as 7 a.m.) gave us a glimpse of the scorching triple digit weather to come, but this didn't stop eager early birds from staking out coveted spots along the shores of the beautiful Columbia River.

    The enthusiasm of these early risers makes us all the more excited as we wait in anticipation for the kick-off of this weekend's celebration. 

    Water Follies Hydro

    Come join us for some of the action-packed events still to come today:

    ·         Vintage Hydro Performance (3:30pm)

    ·         The HAPO Community Credit Union Over the River Air Show (4:45 p.m.)

    ·         Legends Casino Dash for Cash (5:15pm)

    ·         Western States Insurance Light's Challenge (5:35pm)

    ·         And of course some exhilarating hydro time trials!

    It's guaranteed to be a fun-filled weekend – stay tuned for Day 2 of our adventures in the Tri-Cities!
    0 comments leave a comment

    Greenwood Seafair Parade: A Community Affair

    July 23, 2009 3:20pm
    posted by Suz Chen in Washington
    Pirates, princesses, clowns – oh my!

    Where in Seattle can you find these colorful characters mixing and mingling alongside cowboys, Mariachi players and Arabian belly dancers?  

    At the annual Greenwood Seafair Parade, of course!  

    Wednesday afternoon amid the ear-piercing bangs of cannon fire and the throngs of cross-dressing clowns, the PEMCO Brand Ambassadors, accompanied by PEMCO friends and family, joined in the vibrant festivities of this year's parade with the WALLY1 van in tow.  

    Crowds lined the blocked-off streets of Greenwood Avenue and 85th Street for hours braving the hot sun to ensure a good spot along the parade route.  We were lucky enough to be in the parade, and found ourselves mingling with all sorts of festive characters – everyone from marching bands to drill teams to food vendors – what a wonderful way to meet the lively residents of Greenwood!

    In addition to the elaborately decorated cars and unique Seafair characters, it is the added community spirit that makes the parade truly special.  

    Karen Schneider, a long-time Greenwood resident told us, "When I come out here to watch the parade, I end up running into all my neighbors!  And many of the participants and sponsors are local companies and residents."  

    The parade is one of her family's biggest social events of the summer, and it has been for almost 20 years.  "When my daughters, now in their 20s, were young, they used to wake up early and put out blankets in the morning in order to save us a good spot to watch the parade," Karen said. "Now it's fun to walk along the street hours before the parade starts and see a new generation of young children eagerly dragging chairs – and their parents! – behind them as they scout out the best viewing locations."

    If you missed the Greenwood Seafair Parade, have no fear!  You can find us and WALLY1 in the Tri-Cities from July 24-26 at the Water Follies and then we're back in Seattle for the Seafair Chevrolet Cup and Key Bank Air Show from July 31-August 2.

    And for all you tweeters, here's a PEMCO Brand Ambassador Twitter tip: Follow the conversation of this year's Seafair events on Twitter by using the hashtag: #Seafair

    greenwood seafair parade

    0 comments leave a comment

    Benaroya Research Institute Triathlon

    July 20, 2009 3:11pm
    posted by Peter Young in Washington
    Sunday morning started off with a loud BANG! -- followed by a flurry of splashes and cheers. 

    At 6:55 a.m. on the dot, the annual Benaroya Research Institute Triathlon started with a splash as more than 1,400 people dived into Andrews Bay for the first leg of the race.

    The triathlon is a staple of the Emerald City's Seafair celebration, celebrating its 60th year. The race begins and ends at beautiful Seward Park and features three different legs. Competitors start with a half-mile swim in the frigid waters of Lake Washington followed by a 12-mile bike ride around the surrounding neighborhoods and end with a 3.1 mile run to the finish line. 

    Though awards were handed out to the top three men and women finishers overall, we know that all of the competitors were winners on Sunday. All of the money raised by the participants and their loyal supporters goes to the Benaroya Research Institute to help fund research for type 1 (juvenile) diabetes, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Collectively, these three chronic autoimmune diseases affect more than 4 million Americans today.

    The Benaroya Research Institute has been a leader in this type of research for years and relies heavily on community support. Thanks to everyone who participated in this year's triathlon, the Institute will be able to purchase new equipment and fund new research programs as a result.  

    Thanks to all the swimmers, runners, bikers and supporters who helped us get one step closer to finding a cure!

    BRI Seafair Triathlon

    0 comments leave a comment

    Sounders vs. Chelsea: A Spirited Rivalry

    July 20, 2009 3:08pm
    posted by Anna Friedman in Washington
    It seems that the Sounders – and their legion of dedicated fans – have finally met their match. Saturday's game brought 65,000 fans to Qwest Field, a record shattering number!

    The Sounders took on English powerhouse Chelsea FC Saturday afternoon at Qwest Field, and the PEMCO Brand Ambassadors, accompanied by WALLY1, became entangled in the heated international rivalry.  

    As we pulled into the Northwest corner of Qwest Field, three hours before kick-off, the area was already teeming with a sea of Sounders FC fans dressed in their finest Sounders gear ready to show Chelsea just how seriously Seattle takes its 'football.' 

    We met fans who had traveled far and wide to watch the Sounders take on their rivals from across the pond.  Most notably was super fan Jordan, from Redmond, who turns into his alter-ego "Big Slim" at Sounders matches. Jordan, who donned a blue and green wig, aviator sunglasses, and face paint, considers himself "the ultimate Seattle sports fan." Big Slim not only owns seven wigs of different styles, but also has custom-made jerseys bearing his name.  

    He was excited to add a PEMCO NW Profile #26 "'I Know I Am, I'm Sure I Am' Sounders FC Fan" badge to his outfit, and we hope to see him at the PEMCO booth every Saturday match to come.  

    big slim 2

    Even though Seattle didn't manage to beat Chelsea on the field, as "Big Slim" so colorfully displays, we beat them with our Sounders spirit. 

    Go Sounders!

    big slim 1
    0 comments leave a comment

    West Seattle Summer Fest: A celebration of community

    July 13, 2009 5:30pm
    posted by Peter Young in Washington
    West Seattle Summer Fest, an annual three-day festival in mid-July attracts more than 30,000 visitors from all over the Puget Sound representing the culturally, ethnically and socially diverse populations of the area.  This year, I had the chance to experience it firsthand from PEMCO's booth, which was stationed in the middle of the action from July 10-12.   

    When I pulled up with fellow PEMCO Brand Ambassadors Anna Friedman and Suz Chen in the PEMCO "WALLY1" van, we were excited about interacting with our West Seattle neighbors, giving them chances to win prizes from our prize wheel.

    On Friday and Saturday, we were lucky to meet people from all walks of life and engage them in conversations about the Northwest. Beth, a longtime West Seattle resident gave the prize wheel a spin and explained that she loves PEMCO's "We're A Lot Like You" campaign because "…it's like an inside joke for people who live in Washington. People outside the state just don't get it, and I love that," she told us.  

    In true Northwest fashion, our festival was interrupted with a rain squall which temporarily pushed people off the streets and under cover. But even as the rain continued, a procession of brightly dressed and boisterous performers from the Filipino Youth Activity Drill Team coaxed people back out. The troup of kids from 7 to 14 years of age began performing, the streets again filled with appreciative fans, and when they finished the performance, the crowd showed its enthusiasm with loud applause, many people clapping while balancing umbrellas and raincoats.  I was overwhelmed by the sight of hundreds of West Seattle residents and visitors showing their approval and appreciation for this group of young people celebrating their heritage.   

    wssf 2 small

    Though the weekend ended a little wetter than how it began, I enjoyed the West Seattle Summer Fest and hope I can return next year. It meant a lot to me to be a part of the supportive community of artists, musicians, business owners, and cultural groups that make up West Seattle. Thanks to everyone who came out and supported this event – it's people like you who make events like this possible!

    wssf 1 smalll


    0 comments leave a comment

    Sounders v. Dynamo – Capturing Family Moments, One PEMCO Photo at a Time

    July 13, 2009 5:25pm
    posted by Caity McKean in Washington
    There's a quote that says, "A picture is worth a thousand words."  This weekend, I had a chance to see how that sentiment rings especially true for many Northwest families at the Sounders FC's victorious match against the Houston Dynamo on Saturday, July 11.  

    Filling in for a PEMCO Brand Ambassador at the PEMCO booth outside the stadium, this was my first experience at a Sounders match helping to capture souvenir photos of fans showing us their best "GOAL!" pose. However, for one Federal Way family, I soon learned that snapping a photo at PEMCO's booth meant much more than a simple souvenir. Decked out in "Inaugural Season Ticket Holder" Sounders scarves and an array of other neon-green and blue apparel, David and his family of four told us, "For us, these photos represent family – a time when we can get together, just the four of us. We prepare for the drive, put on our best Sounders gear and when we get to the North Lot of Qwest Field, we come straight for the PEMCO booth to add a picture to our growing collection."  

    To emphasize his point, David pulled out his cell phone to show us a mini slideshow of his family at the PEMCO photo booth. He must have had at least five PEMCO Northwest Profile #26 "'I Know I Am, I'm Sure I Am' Sounders FC Fan" photos of his family on his phone.

    As Joann, Liz and I looked at the photos from week to week, David told me about his plan to make a scrapbook of his family's Sounders memories at the end of the season.  

    "We even used a picture PEMCO took for us at a Sounders game on our Mother's Day card this year!" David explained.  

    Sounders v Dynamo 7/11 smaller

    Attending Sounders games is a great chance for the four to spend quality time – or at least a full 90 minutes of intense cheering – together as a family.  The scrapbook is sure to be filled with many unforgettable moments, definitely worth a thousand words a few times over.  

    We'll be looking for David and other Northwesterners ready to strike a convincing "GOAL!" pose at the PEMCO booth next week as the Sounders take on Chelsea FC on July 18 at 12:00 p.m.  

    1 comments leave a comment

    Chase Family 4th: Gas Works Park – a sea of color, sound and lights

    July 6, 2009 3:44pm
    posted by Suz Chen in Washington
    One of the great rituals in American life is that in cities and towns across the country – large and small – people gather to celebrate the Fourth of July. Sure, there are regional variations of the festivities, but most Americans share the same experiences: barbeques, kids, and of course, fireworks.  

    That was certainly the scene when I joined PEMCO Brand Ambassadors Anna Friedman and Peter Young at Gas Works Park in Seattle to celebrate Independence Day at Chase Family 4th. A sea of red, white, and blue complemented the beautiful scenery and the sparkle of the sun glinting off Lake Union.  

    It was great to see people of all ages – college friends, babies, senior citizens – and all walks of life come together for the event. At our PEMCO booth, right near the entrance, we met hundreds of people from all over the Northwest and talked with them about what makes the Fourth of July special to them. 

    Ben from Fremont told us he's been coming to Gas Works for the Fourth of July fireworks spectacular for years. In fact, it's quickly becoming a family tradition as he now brings his own baby boy and wife to experience the magic from atop Kite Hill.  "I look forward to the 4th every summer. There is no better place to watch the fireworks show in Seattle than Gas Works," he said.

    He's right. Kite Hill offers a unique vantage point, with Lake Union and the downtown skyline forming a scenic backdrop. Plus you get a better idea of how big the crowd is from up high. The PEMCO Brand Ambassadors left thinking what a wonderful way to celebrate Independence Day.

    We also had a fun promotional event in which we asked people to show their enthusiasm for our national celebration by singing 'Happy Birthday' to America. Check out a couple of our winners belting it out in the photo below. 

    Happy Birthday

    Don't forget, Anna and I will be at Marymoor Park on Tuesday, July 7.  Hope to see you there!
    0 comments leave a comment

    Marymoor Off-Leash Dog Park: Dog Heaven

    July 2, 2009 4:07pm
    posted by Suz Chen in Washington
    Do dogs think of heaven? If they do, the Marymoor Off-Leash Dog Park must be its incarnation on earth.

    Yesterday, I joined PEMCO Brand Ambassadors Peter Young and Anna Friedman and walked through the 40 acre park on the outskirts of Redmond, filled with trails, lush greenery, open fields and apparently the dogs' favorite feature, a swimming stream.

    We drove out in WALLY1, our PEMCO Brand Ambassador van, to meet friends of both the two-legged and four-legged variety. We spent over three hours chatting about the park, even a little about what makes the Pacific Northwest special and offering treats – dog biscuits for our canine friends and a few "Marymoor Off-Leash Dog Lady" T-Shirts for the people.

    We met great Northwest people (and dogs!) throughout our time at the park. Momo, a beautiful 10-year old Chow Chow mix, sauntered right up to the three of us with a friendly grin and her owner Kim. Kim confirmed our suspicion, that Momo loves Marymoor, and shared that she has been making friends in the park for more than 10 years. 

    Cynthia, a Redmond resident and our first "Marymoor Off-Leash Dog Lady" T-Shirt winner, echoed the sentiment.  "We come here daily, sometimes twice a day," she told us as her pooch, a yellow lab named Lacey, sidled up to Peter, figuring out he was a soft-touch, and good for a second treat (she was right!).



    If you are a Marymoor Park regular, or a "Marymoor Off-Leash Dog Lady" in your own right, stop by next Tuesday, July 7, when we will again visit Doggy Heaven on Earth!

    1 comments leave a comment

    From rivalry to victory (for the Sounders, that is!): Sounders FC vs. Colorado Rapids

    June 29, 2009 5:09pm
    posted by Peter Young in Washington
    Just as we were packing up the PEMCO booth at Sunday's Sounders game, a deafening roar came thundering out of Qwest Field. It was the sound of 32,526 Sounders FC fans yelling at the top of their lungs because Freddy Montero put one into the back of the net, bringing the Sounders up by a score of 1-0. More importantly, it was the sound of the Colorado Rapids' undefeated eight-game streak being snapped in two, which moved the Sounders into third place in the Western Conference standings. 

    This year, with the Sounders in their inaugural season making a push for tops in the conference and the Mariners finding themselves three games over .500 and just three games back in the division, it's hard not to get excited for Seattle sports. 

    On Sunday, June 28, the PEMCO Brand Ambassadors and I spent the hours before the match capturing and printing photo after photo of devoted fans showing their best "'I Know I Am, I'm Sure I Am' Sounders FC Fan" poses.

    Sounders v Rapids

    Perhaps it was the unusually sunny weather or the excitement of a crucial match against a conference rival; whatever it was, the excitement and energy were evident from minute one.  It started soft at first, but as the mob of endearing Sounders fans neared the stadium you could clearly hear the sounds of feet, hands and voices all marching, clapping and singing in unison " The bluest skies you've ever seen are in Seattle, and the hills the greenest green in Seattle, like a beautiful child, growing up, free 'an wild…" 

    By the time the time the crowd made its way to the North entrance, the Sound Wave band was in full swing and fans swarmed the PEMCO booth hoping to capture the moment with a photo. This was my third time at the booth before a match, but I couldn't help but think there was something different about it. Then it hit me: in every conversation and every interaction there was an underlying hope, though never spoken, not even whispered, that Seattle is on the rise and that not only could we win, but we could go all the way.  

    Today's match is one I won't soon forget and I can't wait to see where the Sounders will go from here. Until we meet again Sounders fans, keep the colors flying high and be sure to stop by when the Sounders take on the Houston Dynamo on July 11. Go Sounders!

    1 comments leave a comment

    Green Lake in Seattle: See and be seen!

    June 29, 2009 4:24pm
    posted by Anna Friedman in Washington
    When you think of Seattle in summer, I don’t know of a better place to enjoy the true spirit of our community than Green Lake, a lush oasis in the heart of our urban metropolis, with a 2.8 mile path around its circumference.

    I was joined by PEMCO Brand Ambassadors Peter Young and Suz Chen on June 28, a gorgeous day by all standards; bright sunshine and skies so blue it almost hurt your eyes. 

    We spent the day on the path armed with bags full of dog treats for our four-legged friends, and an appetite to spend the day power walking and hanging with our neighbors and friends from the Northwest. 

    At times, the path around the lake seemed more like the freeway at rush hour, with joggers and strollers (joggers with strollers!), power-walkers, runners and skateboarders. One could not help but identify any number of PEMCO Northwest Profiles, including the aptly named Green Lake Power Walkers, Recumbent Bike Commuter, Sandals and Socks Guy and, as the path got crowded, the 4-Way Stop, You go. No you go. No you go. Guy. 

    During our more than four hours on the path, we saw and chatted with folks enjoying the day in all sorts of ways ranging from unicyclists, a strolling guitarist, and for those of you who’ve walked the path during a sunny day, the seemingly ubiquitous “Spanish Lessons” guy, an older, dapper gentleman who makes his living teaching Spanish while strolling around the lake, student in tow. 

    Green Lake Bikers

    Perhaps the site of the day, though, was a group of festively adorned, comical cyclists participating in their own event, the Tour de Green Lake, which featured a ballerina, a lifeguard, and a couple of Vikings complete with horns.  We asked them why Green Lake and why the costumes? Their answer: why not!

    Why not indeed. 

    Thanks Green Lake and your wonderful cast of characters for a great day!
    1 comments leave a comment

    Taste Washington: I'm Glad I Came, Sorry to Leave and Eager to Return

    June 24, 2009 9:53am
    posted by Anna Friedman in Washington
    There's a quote by Louis Davenport that says, "In all things, the hotel sincerely tries to so well please its guests that they will be glad they came, sorry to leave and eager to return."

    That's truly the feeling I came back with after I attended Taste Washington at the historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane.  The hotel's 1920s glamour mixed in with the vibe of modern flair made the hotel a perfect venue for an evening of fine dining and a celebration of Washington wine.

    Davenport Hotel_smaller

    During the course for the evening, I was able to spot several different wine-tasting styles -- the swirl-sippers and the pursed-lip taster-tester, were just a few among many. Of course, since I was there representing PEMCO, this is as close as I got to a full-bodied cab, but I did learn a great deal about our state's wines from talking with some of the 450 guests.

    We did, however, get to taste the great food. Twenty-five noted restaurants from across Washington state prepared their finest fare for us to sample, and we at the PEMCO booth were quick to oblige. From sweet to savory and everything in between, the food was absolutely heaven. Each restaurant offered a hearty sampling of a featured dish, which guests paired with a wine pour from one of the many wineries at the event. By the end, I'm convinced everyone's appetites were satisfied!

    Insurance may not have been be the most logical pairing for a wine event, but PEMCO's support of Taste Washington turned out to be quite a good match! At first people were confused about the interesting combination, but after we explained the "WALLA WALLA WINE WINE WOMAN WOMAN" connection, they were more than happy to spin the wheel for a prize.  Some even remembered our sponsorship of the event last year.

    Looking back at my trip, I'm so thankful that I was able to attend this event. I had a blast sampling the superb selection of food and mingling with people from Spokane.  I may be back in Seattle for now, but I'm eager to return to Spokane!

    1 comments leave a comment

    Fremont Fair - A lot more than the colorful body paint...

    June 24, 2009 9:43am
    posted by Peter Young in Washington
    Growing up in the Greater Seattle area, the Fremont Fair is an event I frequented quite often during summer break. From colorful costumes with feathers flying all the over the place to the delicious elephant ears, it's an event that I never missed.

    This year, working as a Brand Ambassador for PEMCO, I got an inside-glimpse of the behind-the-scenes action. Did you know that setting up the Fremont Fair is an all-night affair for volunteers? Or that the event annually collects about $55,000 for Solid Ground, a local charity committed to ending poverty in the local area? I surely didn't.

    In fact, before this year, I had no clue how much work went into putting on a free weekend event for 100,000 people benefiting a local cause.

    But... at the event, we had the opportunity to interview Mike Buchman, the Communications Manager of Solid Ground. We candidly asked him a few questions about Solid Ground and why we should care about Seattle's homeless population. He gave us a surprising answer and talked about the statistics showing that face of homelessness in King County is changing.

    He mentioned that while we do have a small population of panhandlers on the streets, more and more, Solid Ground is seeing working professionals come through the food banks because they've lost their jobs. These people are our neighbors - people who had jobs, who worked for ten, twenty years loyally for one company. These are people who are educated, who have children going to school.

    Fremont Fair_smaller

    What Solid Ground does is provide shelter, food, basic home care, transportation and other services to about 38,000 families throughout King County and each year, they hold Fremont Fair as means for the community to band together to raise funds and awareness for people with low incomes.

    For me, now the Fremont Fair is not just about good times with friends, people watching, or even the "interesting" bike ride. It's more about building community to end poverty.
    0 comments leave a comment

    The Rain Doesn't Stop a True Northwesterner

    June 18, 2009 4:30pm
    posted by Anna Friedman in Washington
    A few clouds and a light drizzle does nothing to dampen the spirit of a true Northwesterner – this proved to be the case last night as more than 29,000 fans came to support the Sounders in hopes of a victory over DC United – the top team in the country.

    Peter, Suz and I concluded that this fickle Seattle weather – sun one minute, rain the next – actually brought out more fans than any other event thus far.  What can I say?  We Northwesterners feel most comfortable showing our true colors on overcast days!

    What I like most about my travels with the PEMCO Brand Ambassadors are the interesting things we see and the wonderful stories we hear on the road. This time proved to be no different. At Sounders games we usually run our photo program where we take and print pictures of fans showing off their favorite "Scarfs Up!" pose. One family told us they've chosen to use their "'I Know I Am, I'm Sure I Am' Sounders FC Fan" photo as their Christmas card this year! It's pretty cool to know we have a hand in capturing cool memories for great NW people!

    While working this event, we saw countless colorful, enthusiastic fans.

    Sounders 6-17 gorilla

    But what I'll remember from this event is Duffy and Jared, a father and son from Seattle who get their photo taken with us at every Sounders home game. Without fail, rain or shine, Duffy and Jared come up to our booth every game with a beaming smile. They stand patiently in line for a photo op. We never really asked why it was they keep coming back every Sunday, but when we finally asked they exclaimed, "We just love the ads and this photo idea is great! And, we get our picture taken because it brings good luck!"


    In honor of Jared and Duffy, we the PEMCO Brand Ambassadors offer our readers a Happy Father's Day!

    Join us at the Fremont Fair in Seattle and the Taste of Washington in Spokane this weekend. And of course we'll be at Qwest for the next Sounders home game on June 28. Until then, Let's Go Sounders!

    1 comments leave a comment

    Sounders and Quakes

    June 16, 2009 9:40pm
    posted by Peter Young in Washington

    Standing in the shadows of Qwest Field, Anna and I found ourselves surrounded in a sea of green and blue as people of the Northwest came together to cheer on their newest team, the Seattle Sounders FC. We could hear the "Sound Wave" band before they came into view, rounding the corner on Occidental Ave., marching in unison to the tune of familiar pop songs – tunes from Red Hot Chili Peppers and Beyonce were of particular note. Fans were bobbing heads and clapping to the music and the entrance to the stadium was abuzz with heart-felt anticipation for a win against the San Jose Earthquakes. And fans weren't disappointed when the Sounders came away with a 2-1 victory over the 'Quakes.

    Sounders Wave 2.0

    Our spot for the green PEMCO van is right next to the Northwest entrance to the stadium and it gives us a chance to chat with folks as they enter the game. We hear from the familiar season-ticket holders, visitors to the Northwest and local rookie-attendees who are about to cheer on the Sounders for the first time. Soccer lovers of all ages sport Sounders gear with pride, though what's probably most noticeable, aside from the neon green hue of a Freddy Ljungberg jersey, is that Sounders FC fans -- young and old – have such great energy that it's nearly impossible to not clap and chant along with the pre-game crowd.

    Amongst the excitement of chants and the rhythms of brass bands, groups stopped by the PEMCO van to get their photo snapped as the "'I Know I Am, I'm Sure I Am Sounders FC Fan." Before every home game, PEMCO offers to print complimentary photos of fans and their families. Standing in line or waiting to receive their custom lanyards people would say things like "I love the Northwest Profiles, I can totally relate." Or, "Hey! How do I get one of those PEMCO t-shirts?"

    Everyone – including the blue mohawk-coiffed uber fan to the pair of dads treating their daughters to a Saturday night game -- who stopped by the booth for a quick photo left with a smile and seemed more energized than when they first arrived. Probably the most memorable moment for me came at the end as we were breaking down and getting ready to head home.

    One man had this to say:

    "God bless you guys and the work that you do, this was great, can I get you something to eat?" We turned down his offer, but I had a great time at the match and can't wait for the next one this Wednesday when the Sounders take on DC United. Go Sounders!

    2 comments leave a comment

    last 5 updates

    Subscribe to this blog

    The Bloggers

    Upcoming Events

    • 3/13 - Mobile Chowdown
      • Seattle, 11 a.m.
    • 3/17 - St. Patrick's Day Celebration
      • Seattle Center, 11 a.m.

    our tweets

    About 21 hours ago @FremontSunMarkt Our pleasure, we had a great time checking out all different vendors!
    About 22 hours ago 2 days left till Sounders action! We're getting a jump on the season @ the noon pick-up game at the Sounders FC Starfire Soccer Complex.^SG
    About 1 day ago Maybe not ideal for a profile #43 grunge-party but release of Seattle-born guitarist Jimi Hendrix's "Valleys of Neptune" is finally here!
    About 2 days ago "Low-key and local" spots featured in film "Late Autumn". Been shooting in Seattle/statewide since October: http://bit.ly/cIR6sU
    About 5 days ago Make your move in Occidental Square! Fantastic NW art isn't the only thing on hand @ the First Thursday Art W http://tweetphoto.com/13277635

    Recent Comments

    Go back in time to the Archives.