Business - Business News

POSTED: Wednesday, Jan. 07, 2009

Whatcom County catering company to close at end of February

Stung by the current economic recession, a local catering and event planning company will close.

Emerald Bay Events, which has banquet facilities in Bellingham and Ferndale, will not be taking bookings after the end of February. The closure of the company on Feb. 28 will mean the elimination of seven full-time and 20 part-time positions, said Stacy Grabowski, administrative assistant to the general manager.

Customers who have already booked events after February will get a full refund, Grabowski said. The company's two banquet facilities, Emerald Bay at the Bellingham Yacht Club and Emerald Bay at Exit 262, will be available for new tenants after the remaining events have been completed. The JavaTown Espresso Stand at Interstate 5 Exit 262 will remain open under normal operations.

In a press release, Emerald Bay Events owner Kim Alfreds said the company was facing mounting losses and a dwindling client base, so continuing would not be a prudent decision.

Alfreds purchased Emerald Bay Events in 2004 from Gail and Britain Walker and steadily took steps to expand it. In 2005 the company acquired Sound Entertainment, adding video and photography work to its services. Last year, the company opened Emerald Bay at Exit 262, with 11,000 square feet of meeting space that could handle up to 600 people.

Emerald Bay at the Bellingham Yacht Club was formerly known as the Sapphire Cove and is at 2625 Harbor Loop Drive. The 2,900-square-foot facility seats 250 people.

For more information about refunds, call (800) 449-4393. The company's Web site is emeraldbayevents.com.

Reach Dave Gallagher at 715-2269 or dave.gallagher@bellinghamherald.com.