507 Taproom and Filling Station Nominated for an Economic Courage Award
Economic courage could be defined as a leader, a business, nonprofit and or organization that, while facing economic uncertainty and a radical retraction of “business as usual,” took extraordinary steps to provide a service, a product, and or a support service that made a positive impact to the community and or employees of their organization. These individuals took economic risks to continue providing a service, product and or resource in the face of unprecedented economic uncertainty. Showing the ability to adapt, change and thrive during uncertainty. The Thurston EDC awarded Economic Courage Awards at the Hootenanny on July 19.
Learn more here: https://thurstonedc.com/hootenanny/.
During the past year, 507 Taproom and Filling Station showed Economic Courage and has been nominated for an Economic Courage Award.
We asked the owner, Bill DeVore, to answer some questions about the past year and how the business took extraordinary steps to impact our community positively. His answers are below.
What year was your business/organization established?
March 15, 2019
How many employees do you have?
16 employees
Is your reach local, regional or national?
Our business has reached farther than expected. We are a local business, but we have had customers as far north as Bellingham and south to Astoria. Due to being a military community, we have customers that post pictures of our logo worldwide.
What does your business do? What services do you provide?
We are a small taproom that provides craft beer, cider and wine to our community. We try to keep our options local to include WA and OR. Our tap list will change up to 30 times weekly to ensure we always have something new.
What specific niche does your business fill in this community?
We provide the option of always trying something new in the craft beer and cider industry. But I have been told that we offer a safe and comfortable environment for everyone, no matter their beliefs or opinions. They feel welcome. A customer said, “I would like to thank you for providing a place where I feel comfortable. I have never felt like I fit in anywhere until I came to the 507 taproom.”
What are some key elements you attribute to your business’s success?
The 507 taproom’s identity comes from its customers and employees. You can not have a great business if you do not have great employees. Our employees believe in the business and our plan to provide an ever-changing tap list to satisfy all palates.
