Letter from the Publisher
Shining a Bright Light on Your Favorites!
Our team welcomes you to enjoy ShowCase Magazine’s Best of 2023! This is our favorite time of the year as we have the distinct privilege of “shining a light” on the Best of 2023, as voted by you, our readers.
In April, we turned to you and requested your votes and feedback on 63 categories–everything from the best new businesses to services and shopping and everything in-between. Your feedback is what makes this issue possible, so thank you as always for casting your votes.
This year we are overjoyed to announce our continued growth as we have added five new categories to the Best of 2023 lineup. Thank you to our team for compiling the data and producing another expanded issue of ShowCase Magazine.
As we roll out the red carpet to “showcase” the best and the brightest in the region, we invite the organizations in this issue to pause and celebrate their success at being recognized as the best in each category. Excellence has a daily cost, and it is no accident that they find themselves here.
We are honored to present our readers’ favorites to you online, in print, digitally and on social media. Please join us in congratulating those organizations nominated here and send them your patronage.
Thank you for reading and celebrating with us.
Robin Lucas, Publisher
ShowCase Media
This Issue’s Categories
Dining
Featured Stories
Tacoma Architect Named Small Business Person of the Year
The U.S. Small Business Administration recently named Jennifer Weddermann, architect, and owner of Weddermann Architecture in Tacoma, as their 2023 Washington Small Business Person of the Year. Founded in 2010, Weddermann Architecture specializes in architectural design for residential, commercial, and community-based projects. Weddermann, a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professional and member…
The HeART of the Home Cabinets by Trivonna
Cabinets by Trivonna of Lacey pride themselves on a design experience that is uniquely customized to their individual client’s dreams and wishes. Trivonna brings to life an artful design plan built around their customer’s need and budget. We’ve all discovered that the ‘heart of the home’ isn’t just for the cook anymore. Often our kitchen plays host…
Stormans Legacy of Family of Businesses Continues to Serve the Community
The Stormans family has been active in the Olympia business and community scene for the past 70 years. It’s a fourth-generation family business that continues to serve and evolve. Whether you are hoping to fill your grocery cart with locally and regionally sourced food, needing to renew your car tabs, planning a party or an…
Foodie’s Weekend in Spokane
Whether hopping a short flight, or driving the distance, one thing is certain, the dynamic culinary scene in Spokane is definitely worth the trip. Discover an array of culinary treasures, from James Beard nominated chefs to energetic brunch spots, and charming cafés, for a weekend full of unforgettable dining experiences. Start your Spokane dining journey…
Team Red: Coming Beside Seniors
When Jim and Pat Truitt decided to sell their large tri-level home and extensive shop on 1.76 acres in Southeast Kent, they went to the person who came highly recommended to them—Kathy Kleber and Team RED. Kathryn and Kirk Kleber began to develop the Team RED Senior Transition Team almost 20 years ago and the…
South Sound Success Story: Heidi Duncan of Duncan Insurance
It could be that some superheroes come into being from a toxic spider bite, but other superheroes are just born into their roles as descendants of “do-gooders” before them. That’s the case with Heidi Duncan of Duncan and Associates Insurance Brokers, based in Olympia. From the time she was young, little Heidi dreamed of following…
Light Dental Studios Dental Assistant Training Now Open
Finding the right dental practice isn’t always easy, but learning more about Light Dental Studios may make the choice easier. A privately-owned company founded by Dr. Steve Braughton, Light Dental Studios has 22 locations throughout the Puget Sound offering general dentistry, orthodontics, pediatrics, and prosthodontics (dentures). According to Katie Hogan, Executive Administrator at Light Dental…
Trackside Pizza: When it’s Kids’ Choice
We’ve all been there. Getting the entire family to agree on where to eat out can be a challenge. Until your kids say, “Let’s go to Trackside Pizza . . . I want to Pie Up.” Kids love Trackside Pizza because they can watch and listen to the rumble of real trains on the tracks…
Wanna Cupcake? Opens Second Location
Wanna Cupcake? is a gourmet cupcake and specialty cake bakery in Puyallup. With a full espresso bar featuring Dillano’s coffee, as well as smoothies, Italian sodas and energy drink spritzers, Wanna Cupcake? recently added a new takeout-only location in University Place in the Green Firs Shopping Center with neighbors Trader Joe’s and Safeway. “With our…
History & Nature Center in Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls Moves Ahead
Plans for the History & Nature Center at Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls are coming to fruition as the Olympia Tumwater Foundation accelerates its fundraising. The new 4,800-squarefoot building will feature historical and artistic displays that showcase the deep cultural and historical roots of the surrounding property. Visitors will have access to exhibit, event, and…
Natural Remedy: The Civilian Conservation Corps in Washington & Oregon
Those of us who call the Pacific Northwest home typically tout the beauty of our surroundings as one of the main reasons we choose to live here. We can thank in large part the Civilian Conservation Corps of Washington and Oregon for the beauty of our national and state parks. In partnership with the Washington…
Hope. Care. Cure. – Seattle Children’s Olympia Bargain Boutique
There’s a lot to like about the Seattle Children’s Bargain Boutique on Olympia’s westside. It’s fun, friendly, and filled with one-of-a-kind items. All net profits go to children’s medical needs and support the mission to provide hope, care and cures to help every child live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible. “We have a…
Gig Harbor Film Festival: Art in Motion
The Gig Harbor Film Festival (GHFF) is excited to be back for another four-day run on September 21-24, 2023! The Uptown Galaxy Theatres in Gig Harbor will be showcasing this world-class, boutique film festival experience for local and visiting fans of independent film. The expanded festival now includes five screens and features over 80 indie…