March 26, 2009
CITY OF BATTLE GROUND PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Bonnie Gilberti
Phone: 360-342-5004

An estimated 300 people gathered in the Battle Ground Community Center for the City's 2009 State of the City Address. The evening began with "A Taste of Battle Ground" with eight of Battle Ground's restaurants serving their cuisine to attendees. Many thanks to Battle Ground City Grill, Battle Ground Silver Dragon, Café Jennifer, Happy Family, Irby's Fine Dining, Las Mesitas, Old Town Battle Grounds, and Keo Thai for their generous contributions.

The State of the City Address, "Past, Present and Future" featured, along with Councilmember Phil Haberthur and Mayor Michael Ciraulo, guest speakers Louise Tucker, author of "Battle Ground In and Around"; the City's and first and second City Managers Dave Mercier and Eric Holmes, and the City's current City Manager, Dennis Osborn.

Louise Tucker documented the City's past with newspaper headlines from the 1990's reflecting the City's growth and many challenges. Councilmember Phil Haberthur spoke to the City's last decade of changes and successes to the present day as he referenced the City's retail expansion, volunteerism and the many improvements to City parks, facilities and infrastructure.

Mayor Michael Ciraulo spoke of the City in the near future and conveyed a shared vision for the future of the City of Battle Ground over the next 15 years. He spoke of new businesses that have recently opened in the City and announced additional businesses opening in the next few months: B.U.G. :Battle Under Ground, a teen apparel and accessory store; Aunt Tam's, a quilting and vintage home-goods store; Laurelwood Brew Pub; Bones Steak & Chop House; and Frozen Alchemy, a frozen custard shop. Mayor Ciraulo also referenced the new Battle Ground Library opening in May and improvements to our local transportation system including the North Parkway Improvement Project which will be completed by year's end.

During the event, City Manager Dennis Osborn awarded the 2008 Employee of the Year award to Dan Oehler, Information Technologies Manager. Dan was selected by the City Manager from the seven staff members nominated by City staff.

Mayor Ciraulo concluded the address by honoring those who have served in the past and inspiring others to serve in the future, "In Battle Ground, we believe nothing is beyond our reach."

The full text of the 2009 State of the City Address is available on the City's website at www.cityofbg.org or by calling the City at 360-342-5004.