(Photo Credit: @UrbanBlissLife)

One of the things I love about my job is working with clients to see a project from early inception to full execution. This Wednesday, May 21, will be one of those times as Whole Foods Market opens its doors to its newest store in the Portland, Oregon market.

Whole Foods Market’s Pacific Northwest Regional President, Joe Rogoff, once described Whole Foods Market’s stores as “snowflakes”, because they are all beautifully unique. I feel this so accurately describes the stores as each location truly caters to their own neighborhood. The new Portland-area store (Tigard, Oregon to be exact) is no exception.

Here are some of the unique features I’m especially excited to check out at the opening next Wednesday:

- Did you know that there are over 500 local vendors included in the new store alone? Talk about a serious commitment to local. Some great ones to check out are Olympic Provisions, Unbound Pickling, Red Ridge Farms and Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels.

- We’re seeing a commitment to environmentally friendly construction more and more. This is definitely true in the new store. LED lights highlight locally sourced, reclaimed wood throughout the space. And, the tables in the store’s café are made from building materials recycled from the original site.

- While living in Portland I saw first-hand how different each community was within the greater area. So, I love how the new store in Tigard incorporated a piece of their own community right into the store – Whole Foods Market partnered with local school, Mary Woodward Elementary, to create an art installation made by second-grade students that is a focal point for shoppers.

For a sneak peek look inside the store, check out the latest piece in The Oregonian. You can also follow along on Facebook at Whole Foods Market Washington County or on Twitter @WFMwacounty for updates.

Even better, see it for yourself when the store opens on Wednesday. I know I’ll be there!