July 7, 2008 - Kingston, WA --Today Olympic Property Group (OPG) announced the launch of a collaborative sustainable tourism project with the Port of Kingston.

If you visit downtown Kingston this summer, chances are you will see a little green and white bug shaped car. This Global Electric Motorcar, or GEM, is part of an experiment to study new ways to promote sustainable tourism in the area. The GEM car is a street legal electric vehicle that can run at speeds up to 25 mph, making it perfect to zip around town in. Owned by OPG, the car has been loaned to the Port of Kingston who will allow visitors on their guest dock to utilize the vehicle for errands and tours of the Kingston area.

Although the car has only been available to use since June 27th it has already created excitement among boaters and Kingston residents alike. "Feedback is extremely positive and a great way to promote Kingston," said Port of Kingston Director, Mike Bookey. "The idea of a port having an electric car available to see the local community and visit local stores shocks guest boaters in a good way. We tell them it's just another example of the uncommon good service boaters can expect from the Port of Kingston. Not only does having the GEM car available allow boaters more access to the town of Kingston than they would have otherwise had, visitors are more likely to buy from local merchants than they were when they had to walk long distances or carry purchases with them."

In order to use the GEM you must have your boat moored on the guest dock at the Port of Kingston. After that, it is just a matter of putting your name on the list and filling out a comment card after your drive. Due to the popularity of the car, usage time has been limited to 1 hour time blocks. Even so, there is frequently a waiting list.

Intrigued with the possible uses for a car like this in its own real estate developments and in neighboring communities, Olympic Property Group purchased the GEM car in June of 2007 to test different applications within the community. This summer it will be located at the Port of Kinston where visitors to the guest dock will be able to use it free of charge. Guests will now be able to make a quick trip to the grocery store, hardware store, or even just into town without having to carry their purchases on the half mile or more trek back to their boat.