Best of Clark County 2011: AT HOME
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION: Columbia Credit Union
Again, Columbia Credit Union takes the lead for their friendly and personal customer service, financial services, and community involvement. Two local credit unions and a locally owned bank… sounds like our readers appreciate a local presence for their financial needs!
Comments from our readers:
"Everyone we worked with on a construction/ and fixed rate mortgage was exceptional. This goes for our contacts at various branches too - a first rate business. Building a house can be stressful, but the loan part with Lisa Thompson could not have been better."
"From a family with multiple bank accounts this is the only place we can go and feel at home. With Columbia Credit Union we know we are in good hands!"
"I just can't say enough about how awesome their customer service is and how willing and able they are to help/assist you with loans, refinancing, etc when no other institute will. I am so glad I switched over to this credit union and I would refer anyone to them. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!!!"
WINNER: Columbia Credit Union, 360-891-4000. 12 Clark County branches to serve your financial needs.
RUNNERS UP: IQ Credit Union, Riverview Community Bank
BUILDER/REMODELER: Fazzolari Custom Homes, Inc.
When you entrust your homeowner dollars to have a new home built, or your beloved existing home remodeled, it’s vital to have a professional helping you through the design, materials selection, construction and finishing.
Quality and care in the workmanship is a hallmark of Fazzolari Custom Homes & Remodeling, our Best of Clark County winner for 2011. Voters also gave accolades to three locally owned companies and to a major home improvement chain.
Comments from our readers:
"Builds a beautiful home!"
"Easy to work with. Clear and concise. Very professional and beautiful workmanship."
WINNER: Fazzolari Custom Homes & Remodeling, office 360- 571-7027, PO Box 65580, Vancouver, WA 98665.
RUNNERS UP: New Tradition Homes, Home Depot, Spacemaster Construction, G M Construction.
HOME DECOR: Distinctively Home
Inspiration. Colors. Customer service. Broad, varied selection of merchandise. These features and more drive clients to a store, and locally owned Distinctively Home has all of that and more, making them the most mentioned in this year’s voting.
Of course, there are other places that deserve mention, including Not Too Shabby, PS & Company, and Comfort Interiors, all locally owned and working to make Clark County homes more beautiful through their top-of-the-line products and services.
Comments from our readers:
"Distinctively Home has a wide array of home decor furniture and accessories. Makes for a very exciting shopping trip!"
"Great prices and unique gifts."
"Customer Service, Selection, Convenience, Prices."
"They have fabulous products and great customer service."
WINNER: Distinctively Home, 802 SE 14th Avenue, Suite 101, Battle Ground, WA 98604. (360) 666-9539
RUNNERS UP: Not Too Shabby, PS & Company, Comfort Interiors
GARDEN CENTER: Shorty's Garden & Home
As garden season gets underway, in an area where almost anything can be grown successfully, voters were looking for supplies, plants and good advice on our climate zone.
Locally owned and operated, Shorty’s Nursery takes the lead in providing general garden and landscape know-how, quality merchandise, friendly employees and garden-related gift items. Other locally owned nurseries received accolades, including Yard ‘N Garden and Tsugawa’s, in addition to several of the national chain stores. Get out and grow something this spring!
Comments from our readers:
"Knowledgeable people. Beautiful merchandise. Unusual selection."
"Best service, very helpful - great resource for projects and general knowhow. A real jewel in the Clark County community!"
"This is a locally owned and run nursery with a strong support for organic and chemical free gardening. They help the backyard gardener with everything from how to attract local fauna to how to nurture exotic flora. They also have regular free classes on gardening subjects across the board and a cute little deli and gift shop inside."
WINNER: Shorty's Garden & Home, 1006 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, 360-892-7880, and 705 NE 199th St., Ridgefield, WA, 360-887-3936.
RUNNERS UP: Yard 'n' Garden, Fred Meyer, Tsugawa Nursery in Woodland, Home Depot, Lowe's
REALTOR: Rose Smith, Sundin Realty
Home buying and selling can be an overwhelming experience, but an experienced real estate professional who has her clients at heart can ease the way, even make it fun. Rose Smith of Sundin Realty is a local agent who has that kind of reputation: working well with her clients, being honest, ethical, and knowledgeable, and working hard.
Comments from our readers:
"Rose walked us through from beginning to end of our house buying adventure. She was right on top of everything that needed to be done, and could be reached any time to answer our questions and deal with my worries."
"We have used Rose in the purchase of both of our homes. Rose is full of knowledge and knows her stuff. She is our go-to gal with anything real estate related.:
"She goes over and beyond to meet the needs of military families relocating."
"My family likes her so much we named our family pet bunny after her!"
WINNER: Rose Smith of Sundin Realty, (360) 574-4616
RUNNERS UP: Sam Mikel, Scott Mikel & Associates; Jeff Volkman, The Carl Group llc Real Estate Services; Katie Fear, John L. Scott Real Estate; Dale Chumbley, Prudential NW Real Estate
CONTRACTOR/HANDYMAN: Douglass Carpentry and Construction
Whether painting, installing a skylight, or creating a full kitchen or bath remodel, having an experienced and skilled contractor and remodeler lend a hand is vital to the successful outcome. Our Best of for 2011, locally owned Douglas Carpentry and Construction, managed by brothers Damon and Aidan Douglass, has been in operation since 1999. They have established a strong track record of satisfied customers whose additions and renovations were beautifully accomplished within the constraints of time and budget.
WINNER: Douglass Carpentry and Construction, Phone 503-913-2239
RUNNERS UP: Pete Hodges, Goldwal Construction, Matheson Remodel
