NORTHWEST WASHINGTON
<< Back to all Ambassadors
 Vicki Rogers
Bellingham Entrepreneur
Growing up in Bellingham, Vicki Rogers recalls the stunning view of Mt. Baker from her living room window. Today, Rogers is one of the city's most prolific entrepreneurs, owning three retail stores and a cooking school, serving on the Fairhaven Association Board and hosting a local radio program on regional food and cooking. But, the sight of Washington's second-highest peak inspires her still and calls her to connect visitors to the beauty, culture and bounty of the region.
Describe the perfect Bellingham itinerary for the foodie traveler?
Well, Bellingham is rather unique in that you can head out to drop some crab pots and catch a salmon on the morning tide, compliment your catch with the freshest produce from a farmer's market and prepare a magnificent dinner, complete with a nicely paired wine from right here in Whatcom County. I won't even mention the idea of apple pie for dessert with Washington apples!
How did you get into the retail business?
In 1989, when the Alaska ferry terminal was being built, I submitted a proposal to the Port of Bellingham to operate the ferry terminal's on-site gift shop. I wanted to deliver the beauty and unique experiences of this region to tourists and locals alike. I opened Inside Passage the day before the arrival of the first ferry. I sold Pacific Northwest merchandise such as native arts and crafts, smoked salmon, orca-related gifts, T-shirts that said "Bellingham" - not "Seattle" - and featured photos of Mt. Baker.
Two decades later, you obviously have a successful business model. What led to the development of your two other stores in Bellingham?
I was getting questions about preparing and cooking crab and salmon and started carrying some related items, but the cooking focus could only go so far at Inside Passage, so I opened a kitchen store called Pacific Chef up the street. Tourists and locals enjoy the mix of sophisticated shops and restaurants in the historic Fairhaven neighborhood and it’s been a great place to showcase the store’s Northwest cuisine theme. Tourists staying in local inns often wander over and ask about the best way to cook salmon or which apples we recommend for making the best apple pie. They ask for tips on how to use cedar cooking planks and alder-smoked sea salt. Some sign up for impromptu cooking classes.
I opened Halibut Henry's inside the Bellingham Airport ten years ago and business has really taken off with new flights from Horizon Air and others. We have 13 staff at the store and are open from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. to handle the incredible volume of travelers. We make fresh sandwiches and espresso - because people expect that in the Northwest - and sell Northwest gifts. We added a food and beverage cart in the secure area as well.
You've been on the Fairhaven Association Board for 20 years, serving as president, festival chair, beautification coordinator and welcome banner installer, among other roles. As a neighborhood business owner, why does the association's work matter?
It's important to share the best experience possible with the people who visit Fairhaven, whether it's their destination or a gateway to the San Juan Islands, Mt. Baker or Alaska. Tourists remember Fairhaven as a clean and beautiful neighborhood. They seem to love the old buildings, uniqueness of the shops, the walkability. On Fridays, when the Alaska ferry comes in, people often come in the day before and they discover another vacation on top of [the one they planned]. They see Mt. Baker and look the other direction and see the San Juans. They have whale watching and the friendly people of Bellingham. They're just awestruck.
Why does tourism matter to the region and the state?
Retail sales tax and hotel/motel taxes are huge. People will come from out of the area and are so enamored that they'll stay overnight. So, there's a hotel that benefits. Restaurants benefit, retail benefits. I think it's bigger than just what they spend, though. I think it's emotional. People discover the wonderful food that Whatcom County has to offer and it gets them thinking about the rest of the state and also how to continue enjoying our cuisine even after they return home. Salmon, crab, Washington wines, alder cooking planks and the cooking tools you need to prepare them can all be shipped around the globe and visitors often add these wonderful treats to their menus long after they return home.
Why does tourism matter to you personally?
I'm fortunate to have been raised here and understand what we have. When you have something that’s unique, you should share it. And that's what I'm doing with my three little stores - I'm sharing my passion with the people who seek us out or stumble upon us.
<< Back to all Ambassadors
|
