Here are just a few of the reasons Albie chooses to make her home and business here.

When we asked Albie Shaver of the popular coffee spots Coffeeman Espresso what she loved about living on Washington’s coast, she sent us a five-page letter. Here, in her own words, are the reasons Shaver chooses to make her home, and business, in Grays Harbor County.

Geographically the area is beautiful from all directions; rivers, mountains, lakes, beaches, forests all just minutes away.

I love stormy days on the Harbor. I dress for it, have the right coat, boots, stockings, cap — no need for an umbrella. With that combination, it’s just like any other day. Wind storms are common on Grays Harbor and Harborites are prepared and actually seem to look forward to them at times. They always seem to be prepared and ready to ride it out.

At Coffeeman we love our loyal customer base. Our customers are laid back, they make it easy to become friends with. There are many family members on the Harbor — including my 100-year old grandmother.

We like that we can keep our prices as low as we possibly can. We offer local, not corporate, pricing.

It’s a stress-free and beautiful commute to work every day. Commuting is a pleasure, not a chore.

There are so many festivals and activities to attend all year long. Some of my favorites are Pirate Days, Loggers Playday, Splash Fest, McCleary Bear Festival, Montesano Festival of Lights and the Razor Clam Festival.

The lower cost of living here affords living a better lifestyle than most other places.

Did I mention the great storm watching?

A little bit about Albie Shaver

She is a fourth generation Harborite and a graduate of Aberdeen High School. Coffeeman is one of three businesses she and her husband own locally (the others are Rainier Lanes in Aberdeen and Shores Bowl in Ocean Shores). Combined, they employee 20 locals. They have been in business on the Harbor for 15 years. The Shavers pride themselves in being locally owned and operated, meaning that whenever they can they employ area contractors. The couple believes in investing in the community and giving back. They support local shelters, PAWS, the Fireman’s Ball (supporting firefighters) and Loggers Playday, to name only a few.