Baby Boom is Business Boon

It's not everyday that you can meet face to face with 800 military families to support them while at the same time introducing them to your business. But, thanks to a baby boom, that opportunity is available Feb 13th in Lacey.

Madigan Army Medical Center is getting ready for a lot of new patients over the next six months. With the redeployments of five major brigades this past summer, the MAMC staff is preparing for a sizeable baby boom to take place on base this winter and spring.

To celebrate, a massive baby shower is being thrown for local military parents.

We are always looking for fun ways to support our readers, said Ken Swarner, publisher and editor of The Ranger and Northwest Airlifter newspapers and host of the event. We thought the baby boom was something to build on ... besides, having a baby comes with added expenses.

Operation Baby Boom, co-sponsored by Swarner and Washington's Guaranteed Education Tuition, or GET, program, will take place on Feb.13 from 1 to 5 p.m. at St. Martin's University, located at 5300 Pacific Avenue SE in Lacey.

The event, which is free, will feature giveaways for expectant moms, new moms and moms with kids under age three. The goal, according to Swarner, is to hand out as many free products as possible for the moms, from children's vitamins to formula. Two of the larger companies already on board for the event are WalMart and Huggies. And, like any good baby shower, there will be shower games and the promise of additional door prizes for winners.

Local businesses may purchase a booth for $150, or donate 800 baby related give-aways to hand out from a free booth. Either way, businesses participating will receive free publicity in a Military Baby Guide publishing in the Ranger and Airlifter Feb 10 and distributing at the event as well.

This is just a chance for us, and those we've partnered with, to say thank you to the service members and their families, Swarner said.

Those interested should contact Swarner or at (253) 584-1212. For more information, click here.

Guest Blogger:  Ken Swarner