"Consignment shop leads green scene in Lewiston Orchards"

(Caption says: "Born Again Resale and Consignment specializes in children's and maternity items"...which as we all know is not exactly true, but hey, it's free press and I'm not complaining!)

Body of Article:

Born Again Celebrates six years in business

Born Again Resale and Consignment in the Lewiston Orchrads will celebrate [its] sixth year in business next month, significant when you consider the odds.

A U.S. Small Business Association study found that only two-thirds of all small business startups survive the first two years, and less than half reach four years.

Born Again owner Tara Bren can appreciate her store's success, but she's not one to rest on her laurels.

Bren has plans to open a seasonal dress shop adjacent to her current store location on Thain Road, filling a need she sees for the high school and college prom-going crowd. She'll put that plan into action by the end of the year.

Until then, Bren is busy with her latest idea, what she calls the "Just Say Eco" program. For every customer who chooses to carry out purchases by hand or brings in a reusable bag, Born Again donates a nickel to the Washington State University Environmental Club.

The program started Oct. 18 at the store, and already $6 has been raised for the club.

"That's not huge, but if we can do that every week is starts adding up," Bren said.

The money will go toward the club's education and outreach programs designed to promote sustainability and promote environmentally conscious activities and education at WSU.

The environmental club is just one of a handful of groups and charities Born Again supports. While the majority of the store's clothes and children's items are sold on consgnment, many items are donated. Bren will resell the donated items, and pass along the profits to charities. It's a classic "win, win" for her customers.

"Maybe [someone] doesn't have cash, but heck, if [their] kids outgrow their clothes [they] can use that," Bren said. "It's a nice way that anybody can participate and help out a charity."

Bren and her husband, Mike, moved to Lewiston in July of 2004 from the San Diego area in California. They have two teenage sons and a beloved service dog, Ellie, who has become the store's unofficial mascot. The store employs seven part-time employees.

"We've fallen in love with the town, the pace," Bren said.

Born Again Resale and Consignment is open six days a week at 538 Thain Road. Hours are: 10-6 Monday, Wednesday and friday: 10-7 Tuesday and Thursday; and 10-5 Saturday.

**Quoted from the GoingGreen insert in the Lewiston Morning Tribune, Saturday 10/30/2010, by the NWgoinggreen staff**