Thanks to everyone that supported me, and voted for me, in my bid to retain my seat on the Renton City Council!!

It’s been a wild ride and I couldn’t have made it as far as I did without your help!!

I have to give special thanks to my wife, Martha, and my other family members for putting up with me during this campaign.  Their support has been invaluable.

Special thanks also goes to all that endorsed my campaign, but especially State Representative Marcie Maxwell, Mayor Denis Law and the Renton City Council.

More special thanks goes to my campaign manager, Ed Prince, and my campaign advisors Ray Giometti and Mike O’Halloran.  Super! Special! Thanks! to my web guru and ad man Kevin Poole, that kept my website, ads and signs looking great. 

I also appreciate the support of the Rich on Council Sign Team: Mark, Dave, Bernie and Gary, for keeping the message on (in?) the streets.

And a big shout out to my friends in The DTR!!

I look forward to continuing my service to the citizens of Renton and keeping us Ahead of the Curve. 

All my best to Jim Flynn, his wife Lynette, and his family.  I hope Jim knows he can always count on me in his efforts to serve the Citizens of Renton. 

I can make this short and sweet:  Please vote for me so I can retain my seat on the Renton City Council.

That’s it.  That’s all I ask—just your vote.  If that’s enough to get you to mark “Rich Zwicker” on your ballot then I thank you for your time and you can get on with your day.

However, if you’d like to know a bit more about me and why you should vote for Rich Zwicker, then let’s continue on.

I was appointed to my seat on council in early 2008.  At that time I pledged that I would run to retain my seat if three conditions were met:  1) I enjoyed being a councilmember; 2) I was an effective councilmember and 3) a majority of the council would want me to remain on council.  I think I have met all three conditions.  This is how I think I fared:

1)      I am humbled and honored to serve the citizens of Renton as their councilmember and I am honored to work with some of the best and brightest in city government.  This includes the Mayor and his staff and my council colleagues, but most importantly the day-to-day employees of the City.  I have met some extraordinary people that serve our needs as residents in our police, fire and public works areas.  Our community services programs and employees are amazing and continue to serve every aspect of our city with caring and compassion.
 

2)      I believe I am a very effective councilmember.  I study and work hard, I am prepared for committee meetings and because I am effective in working with others I am able to bring my experience and perspective to deliberations and decision making.

3)      I have received the endorsement of all of the sitting city councilmembers.  All six!  I have also received the endorsement of Mayor Denis Law.
 

A Brief History of Rich.

 I’m a lifelong resident of Renton.  A graduate of Renton schools, I earned a certificate of completion as a Legal Assistant in 1989 from the Renton Vocational Technical Institute (now Renton Technical College) and I returned to RTC in 2009 and converted the certificate to an Associate of Applied Science degree.

I am married to Martha Zwicker, a local attorney, and have family throughout Renton, including my mom, Bette (for you longtime Rentonites, my dad, Don Zwicker, had the “Zwicker Quicker Service” Texaco stations), sister Cheri  and her husband Ken Taylor; sister Donna and her husband Terry Rydberg and my brother, Don, and his wife Marcey. 

Along with my job as your councilmember, I have served you as a Trustee at the Renton Technical College since 2005 and I work as a paralegal with the Attorney General’s Office and have been there since 1990.

So why vote for Rich?
I am extremely proud of our City.  Over my 45 years I have seen a lot of changes and a lot of growth.  I’ve seen Renton expand on its blue collar roots to become a player in international trade and a regional force.  As a councilmember I assist our regional position by serving as the Suburban Cities Association’s representative on the King County Regional Water Quality Committee, and I serve as the City’s representative on  WRIA 8 (watershed preservation district) and the Cedar River Council.  Prior to becoming your councilmember I was the President of the North Renton Neighborhood Association (one of the City of Renton’s recognized neighborhoods in its neighborhood program) where I still serve as a board member, a member of the City of Renton’s Airport Advisory Committee and a member of Piazza Renton.  And I was rated "Outstanding" (the highest rating) by the Municipal League of King County.

Bi-Partisan Support.  As you know, Renton City Council is a non-partisan race, which means a councilmember should be free of political affiliation and should be able to work with leaders from both political parties.  The endorsements my campaign has received shows that I am the non-partisan, independent, candidate for this position.  I have received the endorsement of Attorney General Rob McKenna, 41^st District Senator Fred Jarrett, Representative Judy Clibborn and Representative Marcie Maxwell (a complete list of my endorsements can be found here) among many other Representatives, mayors, councilmembers and other appointed and elected officials.  While gathering my endorsements,  I accepted no endorsements from political parties; nor would I pledge an “allegiance” to any party to obtain an endorsement.  I have many endorsements from individuals, along with political action groups and unions, including Renton Local 864 of the Renton Fire Department and the Renton Police Officers Guild.  My support is broad-based, local and regional and full of supporters of the City of Renton.  Most of my opponent’s support is politically biased.
  

Community Involvement.  I also believe that a councilmember should be a part of the community in Renton to be able to effectively govern.  Again, my record shows I am clearly the candidate that connects with Renton.  I serve on the Board of the Renton Technical College Foundation.  I am a supporter of Renton community mainstays such as Vision House, Renton Rotary Salvation Army Food Bank, Communities in Schools of Renton, Renton High School Excellence in Education, King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) and Domestic Abuse Women’s Network (D.A.W.N.), and many more.  My opponent does not—and cannot—claim that he is a part of the Renton community.

There are many differences between me and my opponent.

But the biggest difference is that I am on council and am actually doing the job.  I can offer concrete examples of what it takes to keep Renton running and have done so for the past two years.  My opponent only offers vague solutions such as taking a “sharp pencil” or blaming the unprecedented global recession’s impact on Renton’s budget on Mayor Law and the council calling it a “failure of management.”  Simply put, I have a better understanding of the City’s position in the region.  Here’s an article I wrote for the Renton Reporter about the partnerships that keep Renton strong. 

We also differ wildly on public safety and the neighborhood program.

Public Safety.  I believe that public safety is the most important service the City of Renton provides.  I am a strong supporter of our Renton Police Department and Renton Fire and Emergency Services Department, I will continue to support them and make sure that the safety of our citizens is the top priority of Renton’s government.  I have participated in Fire Ops 101 and ride-alongs with Renton Police officers to better understand the day-to-day issues faced by the men and women keeping us safe. I have received the endorsement of the Renton Firefighters Local 864 and the Renton Police Officers’ Guild.   My opponent believes that our police and fire are stretched “too thin” and are no longer effective because of their regional partnerships.  I cannot disagree more. 

Neighborhoods.  I believe that Renton’s strength comes from its neighborhoods. I am a strong advocate and participant in the City’s Neighborhood Program, I served four years as the President of the North Renton Neighborhood Association and continue service as a member of the board of directors.  I am a fixture at neighborhood picnics, and have also served as a panelist at the City’s annual Neighbor to Neighbor program and have facilitated a training session on the creation of bylaws for other recognized neighborhoods.    My opponent believes our neighborhoods should be “more self-sufficient” and that the neighborhoods take away jobs.   Again, I disagree:  Our neighborhoods need to be an integral part of our government; not “self-sufficient.”  Here’s an article I wrote for the Renton Reporter about our neighborhood program.

And finally, I believe that I bring a much broader understanding to these five important issues: 
Efficient Government.  My many years of government service allow me to study governmental operations with an eye for efficiencies.  Since joining the City Council, I have assisted City staff in streamlining internal processes for more efficient handling of committee meetings and reports. I was recognized by Governor Locke for efficiencies I championed in providing customer service to the Department of Revenue, received an outstanding team award from Attorney General Rob McKenna, and received multiple Commendations from then Attorney General Christine Gregoire.   My opponent, a former employee of the Port of Seattle, has much less governmental experience than I. 

Public Participation.  I believe strongly in public participation in the process of government.  I worked closely with the administration for increased public comment opportunities during the recent negotiation for a new waste management contract.  I continue to advocate for televised committee meetings and will continue to encourage the City’s adoption of occasional “town hall” meetings throughout the community. 

Economic Development and Responsible Growth.  Currently, the economy has stalled the unprecedented growth the City underwent in the early 2000’s.  However, when the economy strengthens and growth begins again, I will advocate for responsible development and a balance between industry, business and obtainable housing. I will continue the City’s tradition of encouraging living-wage jobs, along with business growth that will continue to allow the City the financial ability to provide the basic services for our citizens.

Environmental Concerns.  I understand Renton’s unique environmental position and the impacts created by growth and development.  I serve as a member of the Cedar River Council and King County’s Regional Water Quality Committee.  I will continue to make decisions about Renton’s future understanding the environmental needs of Renton.

Equal Rights.  I am strongly in favor of equal rights under the law.  Renton's diversity requires its government to be cognizant and supportive of the differences that make a strong community.  My service on the council, outreach in the community and activism shows my commitment to those of all walks of life.

Well, you’ve read this far and, again, I hope I have your vote.   Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to discuss anything further.  I can be reached at info@richzwicker.com or 206-579-8804.

Thank you for your time, support and vote!!

- Rich.

Campaign Website:  www.RichZwicker.com
Blog:  www.Renton425.com
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/richzwicker
Facebook (Rich’s Campaign):  http://www.facebook.com/richoncouncil
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/richzwicker

As your councilmember, one of the exciting things I have had a chance to be a part of is the development of the City’s new “Community Plans.”   This is a bold initiative developed by our Department of Community and Economic Development to vision Renton’s future using public input to create dynamic community areas.  As part of the Business Plan Goals 2008-2013, the City Council sets goals to “promote neighborhood revitalization,” and to “manage growth through sound urban planning.”  The purpose of this initiative is to give communities greater control over how the Comprehensive Plan is implemented, to preserve and establish community identity, and to participate in local governmental decision making on issues that affect quality of life.

Implementation of the Community Planning Initiative will take several years and involve generating nine Community Plans. Once the Community Plans are completed, every area of the City and the Potential Annexation Area will be included in a Community Plan. This is a new way of approaching planning in Renton. Thus, it is appropriate that there are goals, objectives and policies to guide the Community Planning effort.While especially important to those that live and work in that area, these community plans really impact everyone in the City.  And while the first plan is in the City Center, there will be plans for everyone in the City. 

First up is the City Center Community Plan.  This area encompasses the North and South Renton Neighborhoods, Downtown (the DTR to us in the know!) and the Rainier/Grady commercial corridors. 

So join us at the City Center Community Open House this Saturday, October 17, 2009, at the Renton High School Commons (400 South Second Street, Renton) at 9:00 – 11:00 am.  Some of the topics to be discussed are pedestrian and vehicle circulation; economic development, community identity; parking and new development.  You will also have a chance to learn about the input already received from the community and business workshops, as well as have a chance to provide feedback about some of the ideas regarding the future of the City Center.

Again, this is for everyone, especially our recently annexed areas, like Cascade/Benson.  It’s a great chance to get an idea of the types of opportunities available to you in the future as this program is expanded.

If you’d like more information, please feel free to contact Angie Mathias at 425-430-6576 or amathias@rentonwa.gov. 

I’ll see you there!!

Please share this information about this fun opportunity! You don't have to live in Renton to participate!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 29, 2009

50-Hour Filmmaking Frenzy Returns to Renton; 2009 Registration is Now Open

Renton, WA - If you are an aspiring, ahead of the curve filmmaker, Renton, Washington, will be the place to be this October for the epic 50-hour Second Annual Renton FilmFrenzy. This year's Renton FilmFrenzy is scheduled for October 16 - 18.

Registration for the 2009 Renton FilmFrenzy is now open, with an application deadline of October 9. Details about the 2009 Renton FilmFrenzy can be found at www.RentonFilmFrenzy.com.

New for 2009:

ü The 2009 FilmFrenzy organizers have commissioned a video, "You can never get away from the paparazzi in Renton," to help promote this year's Frenzy. The video was written and directed by Sam Graydon and Chris "Bob" Anderson, who produced the Renton FilmFrenzy's 2008 Best Picture winner, "Finger of God." To view the videos, visit the www.RentonFilmFrenzy.com home page.

"We are excited to bring back the Renton FilmFrenzy after its overwhelming success last year. The Curvee Awards will be even more coveted this year, so mark your calendars and prepare for the action!" said Renton Mayor Denis Law.

The FilmFrenzy, October 16-18

The heart of the FilmFrenzy is a 50-hour filmmaking competition taking place in Renton.

Competing filmmakers will have from 5 p.m., Friday, October 16, through 7 p.m., Sunday, October 18, to write, shoot, edit and submit a short film. At the beginning of the competition, participating filmmakers will be provided with "CurveBall" Challenges, which may include incorporating a line of dialogue, a task and/or filming at a specific location in Renton.

Films can be up to four minutes in length and must be shot completely in Renton. All genres are welcome, although films must be appropriate for all audiences.

Renton FilmFrenzy filmmakers may enter their films in one of two divisions: Student Division (high school and below) and Open Division. There is a $50 entry fee for the Open Division and a $25 entry fees for student competitors. There is no limit to the number of films that may be entered.

The films will be judged by local filmmakers, representatives from the media, and a Renton Municipal Arts Commission member.

The deadline to apply to participate in the FilmFrenzy is 5 p.m., Friday, October 9.

Curvee Awards Gala, October 27

The top films produced during the competition will be screened in front of a live audience during the Curvee Awards Gala at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center on October 27.

Celebrating the slogan "Renton, Ahead of the Curve," special "Curvee" awards will be crafted by local artisans for presentation to the award-winning filmmakers. In addition, the following cash prizes will be awarded during the Curvee Awards Gala:

Best Picture $500

Open Division

First Prize $250

Second Prize $200

Third Prize $150

Student Division

First Prize $250

Second Prize $200

Third Prize $150

Other Curvees will be presented for:

Best Actor

Woman Filmmaker

Best Use of Renton

Special Judges Award

Renton Downtown FilmWalk, October 28-29

The Second Annual Downtown Renton FilmWalk will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, and Thursday, October 29.

During the FilmWalk there will be a special screening of all the films entered in the Renton FilmFrenzy at Downtown participating Renton theatres, restaurants and other businesses. Filmmakers will be on hand to discuss their work and their filmmaking process.

People's Choice Award

Thanks to the Renton Reporter (www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ren/), members of the public will have the chance to vote on their favorite FilmFrenzy films. All films entered will be posted on the Renton Reporter website for viewing. The winning film will receive a special "People's Choice" Curvee award.

Sponsors

The Renton FilmFrenzy is sponsored by the Renton Community Marketing Campaign, which includes the Renton Chamber of Commerce, Renton School District, Valley Medical Center, Renton Technical College, Renton Visitors Connection and the City of Renton.

The Renton Community Marketing Campaign also is sponsoring the SIFF's Futurewave program in 2009. This program offers the region's youth a direct link to SIFF Cinema, the Seattle International Film Festival, and the diverse local filmmaking community.

Visit http://www.RentonFilmFrenzy.comfor application forms, rules and other information.

For further information contact:

Suzanne Dale Estey

City of Renton

sdaleestey@rentonwa.gov

phone: 425/430-6591

Ken Saunderson

Ken@HamiltonSaunderson.com

Phone: 206/282-6858

October 1, 2009

Preeti Shridhar, Communications Director 425-430-6569

Renton City Council Opposes Initiative 1033

Renton, WA – The Renton City Council unanimously adopted a resolution on September 28, 2009, expressing opposition to Initiative Measure No. 1033 (I-1033), which will appear on the November 3, 2009, general election ballot as “Initiative Measure No. 1033 concerns state, county, and city revenue.” 

The City Council held a public hearing inviting speakers and the public to present pro and con positions on the initiative. This measure will appear on the November 3 ballot for all Washington voters and, if passed, would limit certain state, county and city revenue to annual inflation and population growth, not including voter-approved revenue increases.  Revenue collected above the limit would reduce property tax levies. 

As part of the public hearing, the city’s Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington explained that the initiative would place broad annual limits on the growth of state, county and city general fund revenues received from taxes, fees, and other charges not expressly approved by the voters. Revenues above the limit would be rebated through property tax reductions.  Using 2009 as the base year, Initiative 1033 would limit the rate of growth in deposits to a jurisdiction’s general fund to no more than the sum of the jurisdiction’s population growth for that year and the national rate of consumer price inflation (CPI). The initiative excludes new voter-approved revenue from the growth limit.  The Office of Financial Management has estimated the fiscal impact of this initiative to be at least an $8.1 billion loss to the state general fund, $3.0 billion to city general funds, and $.09 billion to county general funds.

Covington stated that if I-1033 passes it will significantly impact the city’s ability to invest in infrastructure and to support economic growth and vitality.

“When we invested $23 million in infrastructure for The Landing, we planned to use the increased sales tax revenue from that development to pay for our investment,” Covington said. “If voters approve I-1033, those revenues will likely be diverted to reduce property taxes, severely impacting the city’s ability to afford future investments in infrastructure.”

He also stated that the Growth Management Act emphasizes high density development in cities like Renton.  Under the rules of I-1033, there would be no incentive or benefit for cities accepting that growth.  

Opponents to the initiative included Bill Taylor, President of the Renton Chamber of Commerce, and another Renton resident. Despite being invited, none of the proponents of the initiative came to the Council meeting.

“This initiative would result in our inability to fund education,” said Bill Taylor. “It takes away any incentive for economic development or annexation, and severely impacts economic recovery. They couldn’t have picked a worse year than 2009 as the baseline. This year we’ve experienced one of the worst recessions in 70 years.”

“I-1033 will have a tremendous impact on the level of service that we can provide to our community,” said Councilmember King Parker. “At a time when we are already cutting government services due to this recession, we would be forced to cut even more.  The most basic and critical services would be impacted.”

Renton City Council President Randy Corman emphatically opposed the initiative and had the unanimous support of all the Councilmembers.

The Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM) estimates that I-1033 would reduce state general fund revenues that support education; social, health, and environmental services; and general government activities by $5.9 billion by 2015.  To view OFM’s “Fiscal Impact Statement of Initiative 1033” visit www.ofm.wa.gov. For more information on the City of Renton visit rentonwa.gov.

Suzanne Dale Estey, Economic Development Director 425-430-6591

Preeti Shridhar, Communications Director 425-430-6569

CITY SEEKS TO STIMULATE LOCAL ECONOMY THROUGH UNIQUE PARTNERSHIPS

Renton Housing Resources Fair to Feature over 25 Exhibitors,

Valuable Information for Buyers, Homeowners and Renters

RENTON - The City of Renton is continuing to make every possible effort to stimulate local economic activity during these challenging times.  As part of this effort the city is partnering with financial institutions, non-profits and real estate professionals to facilitate a Housing Resources Fair on Tuesday, September 15, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Renton Community Center (1715 Maple Valley Highway).  

The goals of the Housing Resources Fair are to promote resources available to consumers and to stimulate additional housing purchasing and rental activity. 

"We are excited to offer this clearinghouse of resources for those who are considering buying a home or are struggling to stay in the home they own.  This is another creative economic stimulus program that could only be possible through the strong partnerships in this community," said Mayor Denis Law.

The event is FREE for consumers and will include workshops for both home buyers and home owners.  A workshop for home buyers will be held from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. and will feature information on the soon-to-expire first-time homebuyer's $8,000 tax credit and mortgage loan options, products and programs.  A workshop for home owners will be held from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. and will include information on refinancing options and loan modification tools, home improvement loans and foreclosure assistance.

In addition to the free information and workshops being offered, each exhibitor has contributed three $25 gift cards to Renton businesses to serve as door prizes, so a considerable number of $25 gift cards will be given FREE to randomly selected Housing Fair attendees.  Light refreshments will also be provided.

Over 25 organizations are expected to participate in the event as exhibitors, including multiple financial institutions, real estate agents and nonprofits with significant resources for consumers.  During the event, consumers will have a chance to visit one-on-one with lenders, real estate professionals, financial and housing educators and representatives of Renton's major apartment communities.  Hundreds of attendees are anticipated. 

The Renton Housing Resources Fair is made possible through a sponsorship with Freddie Mac.  This event is another initiative of the City of Renton Community & Economic Development Department, which is working to help stimulate the local economy and preserve and create jobs during these challenging economic times.  Additional efforts include successfully pursuing millions of dollars in state and federal stimulus funding, the innovative www.therentonformula.com corporate real estate website, "Survive and Thrive" workshops for businesses held jointly with the Renton Chamber of Commerce and featuring the Renton Small Business Development Center, and the city's ongoing "Shop Renton, Buy Ahead of the Curve" campaign.

Members of the public who have questions about this event may email them to dced@rentonwa.gov or call 425-430-7214.

RENTON, WA:  Renton City Hall and many city offices will be closed for a furlough day on Friday, September 4, 2009, to cut city expenses and help balance the city's budget. The employee furlough days help close the 2009 budget gap.

On Friday, September 4, 2009, all city employees, with the exception of essential police, fire and emergency maintenance staff, will take the day off without pay.

Police and Fire will be on duty, as well as any city workers needed to deal with emergency street maintenance.

Here are details of the city's operations plans for the furlough day.

City Hall

All city offices will be closed with the exception of the Police Department.

Courts

Renton Municipal Court will be closed.

Community Centers

All community centers will be closed to the public including the Renton Community Center, Highlands Neighborhood Center, and Senior Activity Center.

Recreation Programs

All City of Renton recreation programs will be cancelled. The Henry Moses Aquatic Center will be open on September 4, and there will be lifeguards at the swimming beaches.

Renton Public Library

The Main Library and the Highlands Library will be closed. They will re-open the next day for regularly scheduled hours. Please visit library rentonwa.gov for hours.

Renton History Museum

Renton History Museum will be closed, Friday September 4, through Monday, September 7, and will re-open on Tuesday, September 8. Please visit rentonwa.gov for hours.

Fire and Emergency Services

All fire stations will be open and responding to emergencies, but will not conduct tours, education or inspection activities.  All non-response related facilities will be closed.

Parks

All city parks will operate on the normal schedule.

Maplewood Golf Course

The city-owned Maplewood Golf Course will be open for regular business hours.

Renton Municipal Airport

The Renton Municipal Airport will be open.

Garbage collection

Garbage recycling and yard waste collection services, provided by Waste Management, will operate on a normal schedule.

City offices will also be closed on Monday, September 7, for the Labor Day holiday. For more information please visit rentonwa.gov.

Preeti Shridhar
Communications Director, City of Renton
1055 South Grady Way, Renton WA 98057

425-430-6569; cell = 206-491-8158

rentonwa.gov

Nominate Renton’s Outstanding Citizens

August 3, 2009

For more information contact:

Kellie Jordan, Renton Chamber of Commerce, 425-226-4560
Preeti Shridhar, City of Renton, 425-430-6569

Do you know someone who promotes and supports Renton?  Someone who is dedicated to making the Renton community a great place to live, work, play and learn?  This is your chance to recognize that special person.  Nominations for Renton’s Outstanding Citizens are being accepted through September 18, 2009.

Renton’s Outstanding Citizens program formally recognizes the contributions made by individuals who help nurture the soul and sense of community in Renton through their selfless acts of generosity and volunteerism. These are the people who give Renton its spirit in staying Ahead of the Curve.

Nominations may be made online at  www.rentonwa.gov or via the link on the Renton Chamber of Commerce’s website www.gorenton.com Renton’s Outstanding Citizens.  You may also complete the form and email it to outstandingcitizens@rentonwa.gov or mail it to: Renton Chamber of Commerce, 300 Rainier Avenue N., Renton, WA 98057. 
Renton’s Outstanding Citizens program is sponsored by the Renton Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Renton, and the City of Renton. Representatives from the Renton Chamber of Commerce, City of Renton, Rotary Club of Renton and past winners will select the outstanding citizens, who will be honored at a special banquet Thursday, October 29, 2009 at the Renton Senior Activity Center. For more information and reservations, visit www.GoRenton.com or call 425-226-4560.

Suzanne Dale Estey, Economic Development Director 425-430-6591

Alex Pietsch, Administrator, Department of Community & Economic Development 425-430-6592

Preeti Shridhar, Communications Director 425-430-6569

Seahawks Fans are Coming to Renton: Community Gearing Up for first Seahawks Training Camp

Thousands of visitors expected in Renton for 14 practices

 RENTON -- Thousands of Seahawks fans are coming to Renton and the entire community is gearing up to welcome them. The Seattle Seahawks' Training Camp starts July 31 and the team will hold 14 practices in Renton beginning August 3 and concluding August 20. 

 This will be the first training camp held at the spectacular Virginia Mason Athletic Center (VMAC), the Seattle Seahawks headquarters and training facility in Renton. Celebrating the one year anniversary of its opening next month, the Seahawks' 225,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility is the second largest in the National Football League and enjoys an unparalleled location on the shores of Lake Washington.

 To welcome Seahawks fans to Training Camp, the Renton Community Marketing Campaign has partnered with the Seahawks to organize a citywide "Renton Welcomes Seahawks Fans" campaign.  No. 12 flags are being raised throughout the city as a sign of support for the Seahawks. The City of Renton is commemorating Seahawks' fans arrival by proudly flying the "12" flag high above Renton City Hall and several other public facilities. Street pole banners and a large "Renton Welcomes Seahawks Fans" banner will brighten up the area near The Landing.  Local businesses, organizations and fans are proudly displaying "Go Seahawks - Training Camp 2009" cheer cards and city staff, merchants and residents are donning number "12" buttons to show their support for the team. More than 30,000 cheercards will be inserted in the July 24 edition of the Renton Reporter and fans can download additional cheer cards from the city's website at www.rentonwa.gov.  Businesses are also encouraged to use their own reader boards to celebrate Seahawks Training Camp 2009 in Renton.

The city kicks off its welcoming efforts with the Seahawks' mascot, Blitz, serving as grand marshall of the annual Renton River Days parade on Saturday, July 25, at 10:00 a.m. in downtown Renton.  Blitz will be joined by the Seahawks' drumline, Blue Thunder.  Then on Friday, July 31, all Renton community members--residents and employees alike--are encouraged to wear Seahawks' blue and green colors to show their Seahawks pride.

The Seahawks have partnered with The Landing in Renton to serve as the Seattle Seahawks Training Camp parking and transportation center.  Fans must register for training camp online through the Seahawks' website, www.seahawks.com. Registration began on Thursday, July 16, at 10:00 a.m., and already most of the practices are full.

"The City of Renton is proud to be the home of the Seahawks Training Camp," said Renton Mayor Denis Law. "We are thrilled that the Seahawks and The Landing, two of our city's newest partners, were able to team up to enhance the experience of fans at our new urban village and we are eager to welcome the fans!"

The Renton Community Marketing Campaign is capitalizing on the opportunity of so many visitors coming to Renton by promoting opportunities to shop, dine, stay and play in Renton.  The Seahawks' website, www.seahawks.com, features information about opportunities for visitors coming to Renton.  Every visitor to training camp will be handed a "Shop Renton, Buy Ahead of the Curve" discount card called the "CurveCard," which can be used at participating businesses for special offers and discounts.

"Training Camp 2009 is a great boost to area businesses and our economy during challenging times - businesses should take advantage of this great chance to promote Renton and attract customers," said Bill Taylor, President & CEO, Renton Chamber of Commerce. 

"We are excited to open training camp," said Seahawks Vice President of Community Outreach Mike Flood. "Fans will see the energy and spirit of the Renton community and know that the Seahawks have found a great home."

About the Renton Community Marketing Campaign

The Renton Community Marketing Campaign partners include the City of Renton, Renton Chamber of Commerce, Renton School District, Renton Technical College, Valley Medical Center and Renton Visitors Connection. The partnership has been recognized nationally for its "Ahead of the Curve" brand and as one of the first in a trend of communities working to market themselves.

About The Landing

The Landing (www.thelandinginrenton.com) is a 46-acre mixed-use development located in Renton that sits at the south end of Lake Washington, conveniently located just off Interstate 405. The $300 million project offers a unique combination of housing, restaurants, entertainment options, national retail chains and regional boutiques, creating an urban village with a variety of desirable options for area residents. The project includes 880 residential units and more than 607,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment space. The Landing is a joint venture between Harvest Partners, a Dallas-based commercial real estate development firm, and Transwestern Investment Company, L.L.C., a Chicago-based principal investment company.