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NOTE NEW HOTEL INFO - SCROLL THRU POSTS Train fares INCREASE as time goes on and as trains fill. As of April, this train was $30 each way from B'ham to Portland, and a bit less with a AAA discount - but will increase to nearly DOUBLE by the time the date arrives -so please join us and book EARLY! thanks -

Northwest entrepreneurs, unite!

Join co-organizers from Bellingham and Portland on a train ride to profits.... marketing answers..... SEO advice..... financial ideas... as we Amtrak it down through Seattle and on to Portland for several fun and "optional" participation events.

On Saturday, June 27, at 8:30AM, board Amtrak train #513 with us (you purchase your own train ticket in advance) and we will congregate around "areas of interest" - if you want to talk business, join one of the groups. Biznik members will help host in their area of expertise.

We'll encourage more Bizniks to get on in the Skagit Valley, then Everett, Seattle, and so on.) Schedule is at www.amtrakcascades.com

Get your Amtrak ticket for RETURN Train #516 which arrives back to Seattle at 6:20 and to Bellingham at 9:05PM.

Bring your challenges, your ideas, your business or sales plans - there will be a host of experts and generous collaboraters on board.

Once we reach Portland, Tshombe will have a venue for us to head to (will be posted here soon) where Portland Biznik members will join us. More focused business building and connecting.

Stay overnight at a hostel or a hotel - will cost you from $30+ on your overnight accomodations.

On Sunday - meet up with us as we hit the Portland Saturday Market(runs on Sunday, too) and then off to our train home in the afternoon.

You can participate in all the events or some - it is up to you. One Way Fare is $30 from Bellingham to Portland.

10 Bizniks attended this event

  • April Brown
    Seattle Charity Auctioneer
    Seattle, Washington
  • Becca Campbell
    Business Reiki Master
    Burien, Washington
  • Bob Dunn
    WordPress Expert - Websites/Blogs
    Tacoma and Seattle, Washington
  • Cindi Pree
    Virtual Business Partner for Copywriting/Editing...
    Bellingham, Washington
  • Diane Bridgwater
    Graphic Design & Dog Trainer
    Bothell, Washington
  • Joy  Gilfilen
    ReVisionary, Keynote Speaker & Collaborative...
    Bellingham, Washington
  • Judy Dunn
    Copywriter and Blogger
    Tacoma and Seattle, Washington
  • Susan Templeton
    Mortgage Planner
    Bellingham, Washington
  • Tammy Redmon
    Executive Coach, Speaker and Leadership...
    Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Washington
  • Terry Redmon
    Expert in Supplier Diversity and...
    Olympia, Washington

Discuss this event

  • Lori Richardson
    Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | Apr 07, 2009

    More details posted here soon For now, save the date, and get that train ticket as soon as possible.

    Ask other Bizniks along the corridor to join us in their town on the ride to Portland. Offer us your ideas for fun and business success on this trip!

  • Joy  Gilfilen
    Posted by Joy Gilfilen, Bellingham, Washington | Apr 13, 2009

    This sounds truly fun - and is a great way to do business and build sound, strong relationships while enjoying the region! What a great idea Lori and Tshombe! This is thinking way outside the box of community building!

  • Lori Richardson
    Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | Apr 13, 2009

    Joy, great to have you, and it will be lots of fun, ant at the same time, we all expect to learn lots.

  • Dan McComb
    Posted by Dan McComb, Seattle, Washington | Apr 13, 2009

    We're sending Christian with the Flip cam so you guys can share the adventure with everyone else on Biznik. What a brilliant idea you guys.

  • Chris Bonner
    Posted by Chris Bonner, Bellingham, Washington | Apr 14, 2009

    This sounds really great!

  • Karrie Kohlhaas
    Posted by Karrie Kohlhaas, Seattle, Washington | Apr 17, 2009

    Cool event idea!

  • Tshombe Brown
    Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Apr 20, 2009

    Thanks Dan! Yes, this is going to be Tony-the-Tiger GRRRRREAT! We can't wait. :-)

  • Russ Alman
    Posted by Russ Alman, Olympia, Washington | Apr 26, 2009

    Not sure if I can make it yet, but this is a really cool idea!

  • Tammy Redmon
    Posted by Tammy Redmon, Seattle, Washington | Apr 27, 2009

    Ok I am so there! Can I jump on in Olympia when the train stops here? What a fantastic idea!!

  • Lori Richardson
    Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | Apr 27, 2009

    hi Tammy - Yes, yes, yes! We are hoping to get people jumping on at any point! So looking forward to seeing you then!! Perhaps you could lead a topic/session once you get on! thanks, Lori

  • Holley Bennett
    Posted by Holley Bennett, Bellingham, Washington | Apr 29, 2009

    Wow, this sounds like fun Lori and I wish I could go but do have other commitments. Enjoy the ride!

    Maybe you can join us next week for my first event that I am hosting? Bellingham's Walk and Talk at Lake Padden Park on Wednesday, May 6, 9AM?

    Take Care, Holley

  • Aimee Gallo
    Posted by Aimee Gallo, San Diego, California | May 12, 2009

    WOW!!!

    What an amazing idea! I wish I could be there!

  • Leila Anasazi
    Posted by Leila Anasazi, St. Louis & Seattle, Washington | May 14, 2009

    Oh man I am so there. Except I will be in Eastern Washington then. Gawd this sounds like a crazy good time; I'm really missing out :-(

  • Bob Dunn
    Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | May 15, 2009

    Okay, the Dunn's will be jumping on board the "magic train" in Tacoma. What fun!!

  • Tshombe Brown
    Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | May 16, 2009

    Hope you can make it, Russ. The Olympia Amtrak station is just north of you. The people there are great. (Wo)manned entirely by volunteers.

    Can't wait to meet you in person, Tammy, and super-glad you'll be joining us!

    We'll be thinking of you, Holly, Aimee, and Leila as we pass by on the Biznik Train :-)

    I'm happy to welcome our most recent fellow travelers, Bob and Judy Dunn! Welcome aboard!

  • Lori Richardson
    Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | May 17, 2009

    YEA this is going to be HUGE! We are working on a great event for when we are in Portland, and with all this expertise on the train, who knows WHAT we might accomplish!! So glad to have you, Bob and Judy Dunn! Tammy, Christian, Chris, Joy, and Cindi(who I JUST met at our last Biznik event) - this is going to be fantastic. Anyone else want to join in? I expect to personally learn a lot, and also have a fun relaxing time. What could be better?

  • Maura Desimone
    Posted by Maura Desimone, Gig Harbor, Tacoma, Seattle, Washington | May 20, 2009

    AAAHHHHH...that sounds like so much fun! We'd be coming if we weren't in the middle of packing and moving a rowdy group of 6! What a spectacular idea! Have fun!

  • Lori Richardson
    Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | May 23, 2009

    Tshombe will have an update for us soon on hostel /hotel options, plus our Saturday evening Biznik event in Portland plus a Sunday AM coffee near the outdoor market. Can't wait. - Lori

  • Lori Richardson
    Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | May 23, 2009

    I just bought my train ticket on the Amtrak site. Still $30 each way, plus my AAA discount makes it $54 round trip.

    513 (Train number) Bellingham, WA (BEL) to Portland, OR (PDX) 27-JUN-09; 8:35 am - 27-JUN-09; 2:50 pm

    Return: 516 (Train number) Portland, OR (PDX) to Bellingham, WA (BEL) 28-JUN-09; 2:50 pm - 28-JUN-09; 9:05 pm

  • Susan Templeton
    Posted by Susan Templeton, Bellingham, Washington | May 29, 2009

    WOO WOO!! Booked my tickets. Looking forward to being cooped up on a train with new about to be friends for 6 hours....bring you hamonica!!

  • Lori Richardson
    Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | May 29, 2009

    YAY, Susan.... this will be a great opportunity to get to know you and the others going for the ride better. See you then!!

  • Tshombe Brown
    Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | May 29, 2009

    Hello, You Biznik Train Travelers, You!

    Here's the Event Options so far.

    Please RSVP to any and all that you plan to attend, so we have accurate numbers:

    • Join me on the first leg of the train trip from Portland to Bellingham (or anywhere in between).

      Incidentally, if you know anyone in California or in British Columbia who would like to join us, they are most welcome, too!  Send them to the event pages for information and to sign up.
    • Sign up to jump on Amtrak #513 from Bellingham (or Vancouver, BC) to Portland!  Of course, we will be picking up Bizniks all along the way.
    • After checking into your places of lodging, join us for The Contribution Game in the historic Pearl District.
    • Have your late morning coffee (or tea or juice) at local coffee shop Stumptown Coffee downtown, where we will brainstorm The Future of Collaboration.

      An option following this event is to explore the Portland Saturday Market (The Saturday Market is held also on Sunday) and have lunch before returning on our way back to our destinations.

  • Chris Bonner
    Posted by Chris Bonner, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 03, 2009

    It looks like I'm not going to be able to go on this trip. I'm totally bummed!

  • Lori Richardson
    Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 05, 2009

    ahh, Chris sorry to hear this. For anyone else, the amount of knowledge on the train in business building and in using Biznik (note that Dan and Lara are sending Christian to do video and I am sure he will share tips and best practices about Biznik.... spend the weekend with us and walk away smarter and I am sure with tips that will make you money right away.

  • Tshombe Brown
    Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Jun 05, 2009

    I'm bummed, too, Chris!

    Will you continue to spread the word to other Bizniks (or Bizniks-to-be!)?

  • Lori Richardson
    Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 05, 2009

    I just heard about a couple more Portland-ites who are joining Biznik to attend our coffee on Sunday!

  • Margit Crane
    Posted by Margit Crane, Seattle/Bellevue, Washington | Jun 11, 2009

    Lori, How can we get on your "special people" list to learn about these events earlier? Not enough notice for this one :-( Margit

  • Susan Templeton
    Posted by Susan Templeton, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 12, 2009

    Hey Lori, this social experiment needs more push...to prove 'hamsters can be run out of town on a rail!?!

  • Lori Richardson
    Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 12, 2009

    Margit - I am sorry you didn't know about it sooner. Would be wonderful to have you on board.

    Susan, any press ideas are welcome!

    Lori

  • Susan Templeton
    Posted by Susan Templeton, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 12, 2009

    I'll speak to my 'sources'!! Hey we need a landing pad...in the same walkable vicininty? LEMME KNOW! (might bring my bike)

  • Lori Richardson
    Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 12, 2009

    There is a great rate at the Mark Spencer which is convenient to the Saturday evening event and is a fine hotel to stay at. www.markspencer.com Some of us have booked rooms there at an $80 rate - amazing for downtown Portland on the edge of the Pearl District.

  • Tshombe Brown
    Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Jun 12, 2009

    Hi Margit,

    Yes, it can be a challenge keeping up with events that are happening out of your "home" area.  If you are interested in the Bellingham-area events, you can direct your browser to http://biznik.com/bellingham and click on events.

    As far as lodging is concerned, it's been a challenge to get "good" rates, as we've entered the high season.

    However, Lori is so awesome and was able to find the $80 deal at the Mark Spencer.  Note that this is an internet special and doesn't actually show the rate on the web site until after you initiate your reservation.

    Another option is the Economy Lodge Downtown.  They have rooms at $89 and $99, depending on whether you need 1 bed or 2.  If you don't mind sharing a room, the $99 is a good deal, as it's then $50 per person.

    Of course, there is also the Hostel option for under $30.

    And a rare find if you desire this option and are quick about it, Portland has a couple of European-style Guest Houses.  The one on Elliston is located in a hostel, but the guesthouse on Flanders is an old 1908 craftsman style home with 5 private rooms.  I believe the Flanders guest house has their suite still available at $85.

    Each of these options is walking distance (or a short streetcar, bus, or light rail ride) to various attractions in Portland, including the other Biznik activities we have planned.

  • Lori Richardson
    Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 13, 2009

    Update on Mark Spencer Hotel - just after the Dunns got that great rate, the rate went UP. Here is part of the note I received from the sales manager at the Mark Spencer: "When making their reservations, all Bizniks have to do is mention the Biznik Train Trip and they will get the $87/night plus tax rate. Just a side note that it seems we are starting to fill up rather quickly with just 20 standard rooms left. We also do have junior and executive suites available for a $20/room type upgrade if anyone is interested in that option."

    The Mark Spencer www.markspencer.com 503-265-4398 Direct 800-548-3934 Toll Free

  • Bob Dunn
    Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Jun 13, 2009

    Hey Lori, that is really weird, we went into the site this morning, gave it a test and see that the $80 rate is still there. At least this AM.

    What we did is click on reservations, at the bottom of the next page click on promotional rates, then click on 20% off best web rate.

    What may be confusing people is the 20% web rate is is at the top of the page you land on, and some may think that the rate you see is that rate. But again, you need to do what I said in the previous paragraph.

    Hope this helps!

  • Tshombe Brown
    Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Jun 13, 2009

    I'm not sure who all is reading this page. I'll send a note to all of the RSVPs.

  • Susan Templeton
    Posted by Susan Templeton, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 16, 2009

    Booked the Portland Hostel for $25 bucks...it looks like a great old house and sure to be interesting. How far from the action is it? Assuming we can take tea with the elites at the Mark Spencer?

  • Howard Howell
    Posted by Howard Howell, Seattle, Washington | Jun 17, 2009

    Lori and Tshombe...

    What a great idea for an event. I would love to attend but I will be out of the great Northwest and have to miss it.

    I hope it turns out great for all of you. ...Howard

  • Tshombe Brown
    Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Jun 18, 2009

    You're so funny, Susan. Yes, I've stayed at that hostel on 18th & NW Glisan.

    It's actually very close to everything and just up the street from Amtrak.

    Sorry we'll miss you Howard. Spread the word to all you Seattle-lites :-)

    Welcome April. Lori has told me a lot about fabulous YOU and the big things you are up to in the world. Can't wait to meet you in person.

  • Becca Campbell
    Posted by Becca Campbell, Burien, Washington | Jun 21, 2009

    Please, please, please do this again. It's not going to work this time for me, but I LOVE the idea and several folks I've talked to about it love it too!

  • Lori Richardson
    Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 22, 2009

    Thanks, Becca - sorry you can't make it. We'll make this journey and take lots of photos plus some video - and know that YOU and anyone else can put another one together around your schedule! Don't wait for us!

  • Lori Richardson
    Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 23, 2009

    Becca, I see you are signed up now - you made it work?? awesome!

  • Becca Campbell
    Posted by Becca Campbell, Burien, Washington | Jun 23, 2009

    Now I can make it, because I'm able to get a ride back up to SEA. What if I'm not in Bizplan stage yet, but have a good concept that I need some more help with? Can I still come?

  • Tshombe Brown
    Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Jun 23, 2009

    Becca

    This is SO GREAT that you can make it. I noticed you signed up once before and am so glad you are able to come.

    You are most welcome, and we're super-glad you will be on the trip with us.

  • Lori Richardson
    Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 23, 2009

    Yeah.....Becca!! - you do not have to have "biz plan in hand" - what you WILL be doing is riding with a number of us who have run our businesses from a few years to dozens of years - so just bring an open mind and some paper to capture your thoughts!

  • Diane Bridgwater
    Posted by Diane Bridgwater, Bothell, Washington | Jun 24, 2009

    Thanks, Lori for mentioning this. It is going to be really fun and I've actually never rode Amtrak up here before, only in the Bay Area. Looking forward to it and meeting new people

  • Lori Richardson
    Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 24, 2009

    Diane - hooray! I am so glad I saw you today and that you would entertain being spontaneous (well, it's not exactly last minute, but I know you had to juggle a few things to make it happen...) Fun you want - fun we shall have!!

  • Diane Bridgwater
    Posted by Diane Bridgwater, Bothell, Washington | Jun 24, 2009

    Yes, I love travel and doing new things...now I'm just trying to find a place to stay, everything is booked or expensive!

  • Tshombe Brown
    Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Jun 24, 2009

    Wow Diane. This is great! So glad you are joining the Biznik Train even at this late date. Hooray! is right :-)

  • Biznik Community Tech Support
    Posted by Biznik Community Tech Support, Seattle, Washington | Jun 24, 2009

    Well dang. Life has taken a bit of a turn, and I need to spend this weekend doing other things than hanging out with a bunch of groovy small businesspeople in a ground-breaking event.

    My apologies for backing out at this late date, but I do hope you all have a blast, take lots of pictures, and write about the experience!

  • Joy  Gilfilen
    Posted by Joy Gilfilen, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 25, 2009

    This is truly a remarkable thing to be able to organize, put together and run a weekend excursion through a social media site. It truly shows the power of how new relationships, new community collaboration and technology can forge new ways of doing business.

    This is very nice. Thank you Tshombe and Lori, for doing this. It is innovative. I am looking forward to the weekend alot.

    Joy

  • Gretchen  Krampf
    Posted by Gretchen Krampf , Washington, DC, Seattle and Orcas Island, Washington | Jun 25, 2009

    have a blast! sorry to miss out on this clever adventure. next time.

    Leadership Coach and Process Consultant
  • Tammy Redmon
    Posted by Tammy Redmon, Seattle, Washington | Jun 26, 2009

    Ok everything is set. My Hubby will be coming along for the fun too. We are at The Mark and get on board in Olympia. Please save room for him on the train too!!

    Looking forward to connecting and site seeing with new friends!

  • Lori Richardson
    Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 26, 2009

    Great, Tammy! I saw your Twitter DM while in the middle of a workshop and then spent too much road time to get back to you. See you both on the Amtrak platform in Olympia!!!

  • Lori Richardson
    Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 26, 2009

    Joy, it will be fun to have your new movie to show while on the train. We plan to divide up into interest groups and have a subject matter expert talk for 15 or 20 minutes on their topic - so seeing your new movie will surely be one of those sessions!

  • Susan Templeton
    Posted by Susan Templeton, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 26, 2009

    Anyone bringing a ukulele or harmonica?

  • Karen Johanson
    Posted by Karen Johanson, Seattle, Washington | Jun 26, 2009

    Sorry everyone - I have to bow out because I just got a gig to shoot the Seattle Pride Parade on Sunday :-)

  • Tshombe Brown
    Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Jun 27, 2009

    We'll miss you, Karen!

    Can't wait to see your images (and I think they chose the perfect person! Too bad it is so last minute, but thankfully you were/are available!), as I will miss Seattle Pride Day.

    Susan -- You crack me up! Can't wait to meet you :-)

  • Diane Bridgwater
    Posted by Diane Bridgwater, Bothell, Washington | Jun 29, 2009

    Had a great time at this and the train to Portland event. Just got back and wanted to say THANK YOU to Tshombe and Lori for making it happen. I think we all had some "Aaha" moments.

    Now it's time for the Portland Bizniks to come to Seattle!!

    Thanks again!!

  • Cindi Pree
    Posted by Cindi Pree, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 29, 2009

    I agree Diane...although I'm not sure that Seattle should be the end destination...how about Bellingham?

    It was an amazing trip though!

  • Lori Richardson
    Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 29, 2009

    I think this must have been the longest Biznik event yet..... what a great time we had!! Looking forward to everyone's notes, follow up ideas, resources, etc. Thanks to those who attended and really made this a wonderful memory.

  • Cindi Pree
    Posted by Cindi Pree, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 29, 2009

    HUGE, HUGE thank you to Lori and Tshombe for creating and coordinating this event. IMO, it was an enormous success...even with a couple of tiny glitches...and next time will be even better. If you guys ever need help organizing and arranging future events...give a shout, I'd be happy to help!

  • Bob Dunn
    Posted by Bob Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Jun 29, 2009

    Hey Lori and Tshombe--- fantastic!!!!!

    This was an amazing two-day Biznik event. Lots of great connections, time shared and laughter. I loved the opportunity to really get to know those who attended, and the conversation was wonderful, whether it was at one of the events, on the train or simply walking through the market on Sunday.

    Thanks again to everyone for making this such an enriching time together.

    ~bob

  • Judy Dunn
    Posted by Judy Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Jun 29, 2009

    Lori and Tshombe,

    You made it all so comfortable for us. I feel that I made many new friends! I really liked the 2.5 hours or so on the way down. No hectic traffic to fight and time to get to know each other. It really set the stage for the collaborations and relationship building in Portland.

    It seems you are on to something and I wouldn't be surprised to see more of these type of events in the future.

    Thank you for being such gracious hosts.

  • Joy  Gilfilen
    Posted by Joy Gilfilen, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 29, 2009

    This event was most remarkable. It showed me how the new world will work as people learn to meet each other around topics of interest, and how fast we can establish relationships, share knowledge and wisdom and move it forward.

    In the past geographic location was the way that society connected...and the time it took to organize and put together a trip like this would have overwhelmed most groups...so it would not have happened.

    Now because of ease of the ease of communication through Biznik, together with the removing of resistance to attendee inclusion, and the ability to unite under specific topics...this event went off great!

    It is truly a physical demonstration of how the Law of Attraction works in the world of business.

    So much came from this regarding how to do business differently...I will never be the same. Thank you to everyone for your full out participation.

  • Susan Templeton
    Posted by Susan Templeton, Bellingham, Washington | Jun 29, 2009

    Lori, Tshombe and new friends!

    What an amazing. intense experience our trek to Portland was! Since I spend so much of my time solo-preneuring and 'being there' for my clients and vendors and feeling like I have to hold up that professional front for all...this was a chance to be myself...no holds barred, so to speak. I truly appreciate everyone's generosity, compassion and willingness to engage in very human way. I came away feeling that I had met one major goal: To meet new friends! That is an honor. Thank you all! Susan

  • Tshombe Brown
    Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Jul 01, 2009

    Thank you SO MUCH Everyone for your inspiring comments. I am super-glad you enjoyed yourselves and took away key insights and key relationships.

    When Lori and I initially discussed the idea of the train event, the overall concept was of informality. Overwhelmingly, the feedback was to have more structure, so next time we do this, that's what will have!

    I appreciate you all!

Event Location

Amtrak Train #513

401 Harris Avenue
Bellingham, Washington 98225
Sat Jun 27, 2009 8:30 AM

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