Business Beat is a new feature that will be running once a month in the News Advertiser.
• Tar’s Auto is celebrating 35 years in business in Port Alberni. After working with Chisholm Towing for many years as a mechanic, Tar Binng struck out on his own when he purchased a Texaco gas station on 10th Ave in 1980.
Later when Texaco pulled out of Canada, Tar’s moved the shop to the current location on Third Ave and added used cars to the mix.
Tar, who enjoys his work too much to really retire, continues to work at the shop along with his son Tarmeet.
• Best Western Barclay, at the corner of Roger Street and Stamp Avenue, has just finished a full renovation of all their rooms, the washrooms on the main floor and the front entrance in time for the summer tourism season. The renovations were conducted a floor at a time over several months to avoid disrupting guests staying in the hotel.
• Murray Lawlor of Coombs Country Candy, at the north end of Port Alberni on Highway 4, has begun creating all his own soft serve ice cream, frozen yogurt and novelties right in the shop. There are lots of interesting flavours to try. Check out the homemade ice cream cakes too. Murray also just returned from a confection convention in New York City. Sweet!
• Alberni Toyota is celebrating four years at the top of the town with a free family day Tuesday July 28 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Petting farm, bouncy castles, lot hockey, barbecue, and popcorn are all part of the celebration.
• Blue Marlin Inn is holding its second annual Party in the Parking Lot fundraising event Sunday Aug. 2, 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Lots of family friendly activities and food. Live music, pony rides, dunk tank, horse and buggy rides. All proceeds to support Ty Watson House in memory of Ed Walcot.
• Pot Luck Ceramics has opened their new location in town at 4473 Gertrude St. Stop in to see what they have to offer in unique ceramics from Spain. This profit for non-profit business generously supports Ty Watson House and other local charities with the proceeds from their sales.
• Frank and Corean Melnychuk have opened Paul Davis Restoration Specialists franchise on Margaret Street in Port Alberni, behind the Alberni Valley News office. The owner-operated company provides clean up and repairs to residential and commercial properties due to water, fire, mould, asbestos or other disasters.
The Melnychuks have hired five local employees and have been very busy since opening March 1. Their latest project was cleaning up the building at Montrose and Second Avenue that was destroyed by fire earlier this year.
Paul Davis Restoration can be reached by calling 778-421-2050.
• Merit Furniture is celebrating their 18th anniversary in business in July. Stop by the store on Third Avenue to congratulate owner Kinder Dlay and his staff.
Teresa Bird is the Alberni Valley News publisher. If you have a business item to pass on, please e-mail her at publisher@albernivalleynews.com.
