It is a trade, an art that Rick Craft knows very well and has perfected with time.
The craft of customized and commercial signage constantly changes, expanding the creative possibilities for the Auburn man and his small business.
“It’s constantly evolving,” said Craft, who along with his wife, Katy Hope, recently opened RC Graphics Auto Wraps and Signs, their first commercial venture, off of Auburn Way South. “There is always something new – a new idea, a new product out there.”
Using premium materials – such as Avery and 3M – Hope’s artful applications can be found on signs, buildings, vehicles, walls and pavement throughout the area. He’s been in the signage business for 14 years, working primarily on referrals out of his home before opening his 1,000-square-foot shop.
“I like art,” Craft said, “and I wanted something that’s economically viable.”
RC Graphics is a family-owned and operated business that prides itself on excellent customer service and meticulous installation. With low overheard, the business offers affordable prices.
Elsewhere
• Helly Hansen, a sportswear manufacturer and retailer, recenetly signed a leaseback deal for 74,156 square feet at Building C of the Emerald Corporate Park in Auburn. The company started its move into the space at 4104 C St. NE last month.
Although staying in Auburn Industrial submarket, the tenant will relocate from Building B of Auburn Park 167 at 3703 I St. NW.
Scott Alan of Colliers International represented the tenant. Arie Salomon, Jeff Forsberg and Taylor Hoff of NAI Puget Sound Properties Inc. represented the landlord, Norpatsu Co.
• Brent Langberg has joined Valley Bank as vice president/commercial loan officer, David Brown, bank president and CEO, recently announced.
“We are pleased to have Brent join our team,” Brown said. “Brent has an extensive banking background and brings more than 20 years of banking experience to Valley Bank.”
Langberg has a BA from Washington State University. His volunteer activities include working with the chamber of commerce, managing and coaching youth soccer and participating in the Relay for Life cancer run. His office will be in Puyallup.
Valley Bank, a subsidiary of Valley Community Bancshares, Inc., serves the South King and Eastern Pierce County region of Washington State with eight full-service banking facilities, a mortgage loan production office, and one drive-up facility with assets of $228 Million.
• Haggen, Inc., owner of 30 Haggen Food & Pharmacy and Top Food & Drug stores in Washington and Oregon, recently announced an investment partnership with The Comvest Group, a private investment firm. Haggen, Inc. will continue to be independent and retain headquarters in Bellingham.
Comvest Group is purchasing a majority ownership position in Haggen, Inc. from brothers Don and Rick Haggen and their families.
Don and Rick Haggen are the sons of Ben and Dorothy Haggen, who founded the grocery company in 1933. They most recently served as co-chairmen of the company’s board.
The Haggen family is retaining a significant minority ownership stake in the company and will continue to be involved in the company.
Top Food & Drug has stores in Auburn and Lakeland Hills.
• Valley Community Bancshares, Inc., parent company of Valley Bank, reported earnings of $2.07 million, or $1.82 per diluted share, for the year ended Dec. 31, compared to $2.11 million, or $1.84 per diluted share, in the previous year.
Valley Bank serves the South King and Eastern Pierce County region with eight full-service banking facilities and a drive-up facility.
• Sam’s Club pharmacies, with a location in Auburn, recently received the highest score in the Prescription Ordering and Pickup Process factor in a J.D. Power and Associates study. Sam’s Club pharmacies tied for second place overall in the mass merchandiser segment of the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 U.S. National Pharmacy StudySM.
The 2010 U.S. National Pharmacy Study is based on responses from more than 12,300 customers who filled a new prescription or refilled a prescription during the three months prior to the survey period. The study was fielded between May and June 2010.
• Jacksons Food Stores will present a $28,330 check to the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence this month. The donation comes from the stores’ successful “Give the Gift of Peace” campaign during the holiday season.
Jacksons customers contributed by purchasing a paper dove for $1 at Jacksons Food Stores throughout Washington. Jacksons CEO John Jackson then matched customers’ donations dollar for dollar. The resulting $28,330 donation represents a more than 275-percent increase over last year’s effort.
Auburn stores represented two of the top three stores in terms of funds raised.
“Despite the economic downturn, our customers have generously responded to increase the level of support for the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence,” said CEO John Jackson. “We are pleased to assist again this year with this extremely important program to prevent domestic and dating violence through community awareness.”
Jacksons Food Stores, Inc., headquartered in Meridian, Idaho, moved into Washington in 2009, opening more than 50 convenience stores across the state.
“We are very appreciative of this generous donation,” said Nan Stoops, executive director of the Washington State
Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “We applaud the leadership Jacksons is providing in the community by speaking out against domestic violence and bringing this issue to the attention of its customers.”
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We’re open
• Business: RC Graphics Auto Wraps and Signs
• Location: 225 Auburn Way S.
• Owners, operators: Rick Craft and Katy Hope
• Specializing: Custom and commercial graphics, including fleet graphics, banners, A-boards, logo design and signage
• Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday. On-site service by appointment.
• Information: 253-332-1154, www.rcgraphics7.com.
