harley wrap-up - Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce

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www.mountvernonchamber.com
The Bridge To Skagit Business
CHAMBER CALLS
SKAGIT STATION
HOME
NOVEMBER 2004
In This Issue
Chamber Calls Skagit Station
Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Harley Wrap-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Oyster Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
New Board Members . . . . . . . . . 2
Board Retreat Recap . . . . . . . . . 2
Candidates Forum . . . . . . . . . . . 3
“Fall Into Fashion”
Fashion Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
December Toy Drive. . . . . . . . . . 3
Upbeat Award Winner:
Dr. John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Member Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Meeting Room Rental . . . . . . . . 4
The Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce
recently moved into their permanent location
at the Skagit Station. The office is a great
location for visitors coming in by any mode
of transportation. The staff and Board of
Directors are excited about the new office
space and foresee many more great things for
this organization. Please stop by and check out
the new office Monday through Friday 8:305:30 or Saturdays 9:00-4:00.
HARLEY WRAP-UP
CONGRATULATIONS to Michele Keenan
of Sedro-Woolley. Michelle is the lucky
winner of a $20,000 gift certificate to Skagit
Harley Davidson for the Harley of her
dreams. Second place winner is Donnie
Keltz of Mount Vernon, taking away a
great utility trailer provided by Costco
Wholesale. Third place is Dave Eppig of
Monroe, winning the $250 gift certificate
to Skagit Harley donated by RiverCity
Screenprinting. The Burlington and Mount
Vernon Chambers of Commerce would like
to thank Key Bank for their major
...See “Harley Wrap-UP” on page 4
Chamber Events . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
The Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce
Phone: (360) 428-8547
Fax:
(360) 424-6237
Email: info@mountvernonchamber.com
Address: Post Office Box 1007
105 East Kincaid Street
Mount Vernon, WA 98273-1007
Members of Win A Hog Team celebrate at Oyster
Run after wrapping up the 6 month long raffle.
Legacy Members
Member Announcements . . . . . . 4
New & Renewing Members . . . . 5
Larry Clark President of the Board and Executive
Director Kristen Whitener cut the ribbon at the recent
Business After Hours at the Mount Vernon Chamber of
Commerce’s new office.
Platinum Member:
Safe. Smart. Secure.
IT Matters.
Silver Member:
Bronze Member:
Luxurious Living For
The Independent Senior
At Affordable Prices
Donnie Keltz
www.mountvernonchamber.com
The Bridge To Skagit Business
OYSTER RUN
September 26th proved to be a very
busy day for not only Anacortes, but the
entire Skagit Valley. The rumble could
be heard from every corner of the county
as motorcycles of every brand arrived at
their final destination downtown. It was
certainly a site one would never forget. If
you have not had the opportunity to stand
in the middle of almost 15,000 motorcycles,
that is an experience you must do. Most of
us think this event only affects Anacortes,
this is the farthest thing from the truth.
Although numbers this year were slightly
down, the economic impact the Oyster
Run left in our Valley is huge. With over
30,000 people flooding to the area in less
than a two-day period, everything from
restaurants, shops and hotels were at full
capacity. Just another example of tourism
as business development.
DECEMBER TOY
DRIVE
The
Skagit
Valley Herald
Christmas
Fund’s 2004
campaign is
underway!
Now in its
55th
year,
the
fund’s
mission
is
to
provide
emergency
help throughout the year to Skagit County
residents, and to distribute food and toys to
the needy during the Christmas season.
For the next two months, the fund
will be soliciting donations of toys, books,
hats, and money. With everyone’s help
approximately 1,600 families will enjoy a
merrier holiday.
Chamber members are encouraged to
bring donations to the Holiday Mixer on
December 15 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at
the Skagit Station. The Fund coordinator,
Julie Toomey, requests that we focus on
gifts for teenagers and infants.
Also, donations can be mailed to the
Skagit Valley Herald Christmas Fund at
PO Box 578, Mount Vernon, WA 98273,
or can be dropped off at the Skagit Valley
Herald office at 1000 East College Way in
Mount Vernon. Volunteers can call Julie
Toomey at 416-2129 to talk about volunteer
opportunities.
NEW CHAMBER
BOARD MEMBERS
Chamber membership votes on new Board
Members of the coming year, we are pleased
to introduce:
Charlie Sullivan is the President and
Head Brewer of Skagit River Brewing
Company.
Barb Lowery is the Branch Manager of
Peoples Bank in Mount Vernon.
Scott Sutton is the Skagit Valley Sales
Representative of Towner Press.
BOARD PLANNING
SESSION
President Larry Clark discusses the chamber with
fellow board members Dale Ragan and Jana Hanson at
the chambers recent Board Planning Session
The staff and board of the Mount Vernon
Chamber of Commerce met last month
at Flounder Bay restaurant for a planning
session. Pat McGaughey facilitated the
retreat again this year and assisted in
keeping the focus on key issues. The top
issue for 2005 will be bringing the Chamber
into the forefront of technology in the
business community. Board members also
identified goals in each of the following
areas: administration, leadership, business
development, membership, programs and
events, governmental affairs.
MountVernonChamber.com • NOVEMBER 2004
www.mountvernonchamber.com
CANDIDATE
FORUM RECAP
The Bridge To Skagit Business
The Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce
wrapped up its second candidate forum
on September 23rd at the CottonTree Inn.
The forum was sponsored by Puget Sound
Energy, Skagit Valley Herald and KAPS
and KBRC Radio. Fourteen candidates
were in attendance from six different
positions. Each candidate was given 3
minutes to speak on the issues they would
focus on if they were elected and about
their background. The crowd was again a
record number and the forum was aired
for two weeks on MVTV 10. Look for more
information on candidates after the election
on our Governmental Affairs page on
www.mountvernonchamber.com.
FALL into the
HOLIDAYS
FASHION SHOW
Friday, November 5th
Christ The King
community center.
11:30am to 1:30pm
Local candidates candidly answer questions at
recent Mount Vernon Chamber forum.
Catering for all Occasions
Appetizers • Party Platters • Boxed Meals
Wedding Cakes • Delivery Available
Toll Free 1-866-912-2233
Serving Skagit and Whatcom Counties
Tune In
406211
July Haggen Catering Ad
Mount Vernon Chamber
Monday mornings, Chamber Exectuive
Kristen Whitener, addresses the Skagit
Valley with updates on Chamber activity.
KAPS
8:20am
KBRC
8:40:am
Is This You?
The Mount Vernon Chamber is seeking
office VOLUNTEERS. If you, or someone
you know is interested, call 428-8547.
WSDOT PROVIDES
SERVICE FOR
BUSINESSES
Chamber Executive Director Kristen
Whitener recently met with Mr. Alan
Harger, Manager of Business Development
and Transportation Economic Partnerships
for the Washington State Department
of Transportation (WSDOT). Their
discussion was focused on what assistance
his department can provide Mount Vernon
Chamber of Commerce members. Members
can gather up-to-date information by
either logging onto the WSDOT web site
www.wsdot.wa.gov/tepd, or by calling
(360) 705-7593 for direct information on
all projects including the Viaduct project.
The WSDOT is the point for businesses
that want information and assistance;
they help Washington firms resolve
transportation issues so they can get on
with their business.
• Start Your Christmas Wish-list
• Browse Vendor Booths
• Buffet Luncheon
• Entertainment
Call the Chamber 428-8547 for tickets:
$18 in advance, $20 at the door.
It’s what you do
AFTER
HOURS
that really matters.
who: Express Personnel
when: Tuesday, November 9th
where: 525 E. College Way, Suite F
time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
www.mountvernonchamber.com
MEMBER
BENEFITS
Did you know the Mount Vernon Chamber
of Commerce can promote your business
to 4000 businesses in the Skagit Valley
each quarter? September noted the first
mailing off the special edition of Chamber
Chat that not only promoted the Mount
Vernon Chamber of Commerce but also
our great chamber members. Inserts and
advertisements are available through the
chamber office. Feedback from the first
mailing has been phenomenal and we look
forward to our new quarterly mailings
The Bridge To Skagit Business
UPBEAT AWARD MEMBER
WINNER:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Valley
College
Business
Dr. John Jarolomek Skagit
Resource Center is having an open
The recipient
of the Mount
Vernon Chamber
of Commerce’s
famed
“UpBeat Award” for
October is Dr.
John Jarolomek
of College Way
Chiropractic. “Dr. John” as he is known,
is an active advocate of the Chamber.
He makes time to participate in and
support any and every Chamber event.
Congratulations Dr. John!
MEETING ROOM
RESERVATIONS
The new Skagit Station has a community
meeting room available for reservation.
The 1,500 sq foot space can accommodate
95 people, and has a warming kitchen
attached. Current rates ranges from $100 $225. Call 428-8547 to reserve; the calendar
is filling quickly.
Harley Wrap-up
continued from Page 1...
WCCE
CONFERENCE
November 11th marks a special day for
Veteran’s around the United States. The
Washington Chamber of Commerce
Executive Directors Association will
celebrate this occasion by kicking off their
annual statewide conference with a special
ceremony honoring our Veterans. Dick
Irwin, Burlington Chamber conference
chair and Kristen Whitener, Mount Vernon
Chamber committee member say they
are putting together a first-class agenda
focusing on chamber and business issues.
The conference is open to all chamber staff
and members. Mount Vernon will have 5
representatives attending all sessions.
sponsorship and help throughout the raffle
as well as our other sponsors that made
enormous contributions to this event. Our
Team Harley was a large part of our success.
Thank you to Team chair Carrie Parks,
Landed Gentry and team members: Scott
Sutton, Towner Press; Donna Backman,
RiverCity Screenprinting; Mike Yeoman,
KAPS; Anthony Petz, Office Systems
Northwest; Becky Willis and Stephanie
Hamilton, Mary Kay; Kris Tully and Darcy
Owens; Key Bank; Vicky Valentine, Wallace
and Associates; and Roger Valentine, Food
Services of America.
house on November 18 from 4:00 –
7:00 p.m. If you are starting a business or
growing a business, come learn about the
programs and services provided by our BRC.
The Business Resource Center is located at
204 W. Montgomery – across from the Skagit
River Brewing Company. Please RSVP at
(360) 416-7873.
Oasys is having an open house on October
17. Allen Grenz, owner, has purchased a
building at 1575 Port Drive (across from
UPS) in Burlington. “We will have more
space for products and supplies, which will
enable us to greatly improve our business,”
says Grenz. On November 18 from 10 a.m.
– 5 p.m. the public is invited to an open
house and technology showcase. A Hands
Across the River Production (HARP)
Business After Hours is scheduled for 5:00
– 7:00 p.m.
We are pleased to announce that Galen
Design Associates (GDA) was awarded
for achievement in design excellence for
Foothills Auto Center new corporate logo
by Creativity Design Annual. The Foothills
logo will be published in a hardbound
annual and distributed internationally. This
is the 28th design award received by GDA
in regional, national and international
competition in its 24 years of design
service.
Boomers Sew n Vac is providing a Sewing
Expo November 12th, 13th, and 14th
at the Skagit Casino Resort. Featuring
Sue Hausmann, Cindy Losecamp, M’liss
Rae Hawley just to name a few. There
will be 17 classes to choose from and
space is limited. Call 336-3127 or email
mike@boomers.com
Barry and Brenda Harter recently sold Café
Burlington to Brad and Amy Whaley of
Skagit County. After 11 years the Harters
are excited to start new endeavors. Brad
and Amy officially took over October
16th. Barry will be assisting at the
restaurant until November 30th.
MountVernonChamber.com • NOVEMBER 2004
www.mountvernonchamber.com
The Bridge To Skagit Business
NEW MEMBERS
Skagit Medical Billing
Smith Barney
Backman Marketing, Inc.
Luis Pimentel
Mike Cossairt
520 S. 1st Street, Suite #207
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Phone: 360-419-7036
Fax: 866-311-9961
Email: skagitbilling@comcast.net
Lin J. Nelson
301 Kincaid Street
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Phone: 360-336-9521
lin.j.nelson@smithbarney.com
Financial Services
Donna Backman
3320 Trumpeter Drive
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Phone: 360-420-3385
Fax: 360-424-3516
backmanmarketing@comcast.net
Eden Hats
Frances S. Saler
920 Lincoln Street, Suite #B
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Phone: 360-428-6682
Fax: 360-428-6682
Aplus98274@peoplepc.com
Tax Services
Lousie Eden
P.O. Box 298
Anacortes, WA 98221
Phone: 360-299-6669
Apparel
A Plus Tax Services
RENEWING MEMBERS
Airporter Shuttle
Alf Christianson Seed Company
Allelujah Business Systems
Arbor Pacific Forestry Service
Ashley Gardens
Birch Equipment Rental & Sales
Bode Design
Bon Macy’s
Café Burlington
Camwood Jewelers
Car Stereo Plus
Cascade Natural Gas Corp
City of Mount Vernon
Collins Office Supply
Comfort Inn
Eaglemont Golf Club
Esary Roofing Company
Farmhouse Restaurant
Fine B Investment
First American Title Company
Galen Design
Hansen’s Furniture Inc.
Hawthorne Funeral Home
Holland Health
J.D.’s Laundry
KAPS Radio 660 AM
Kaptein’s Ace Hardware
KBRC Radio 1430 AM
Kelly Services
Kitchens & Designs
KLKI Radio 1340 AM
L.A.E. Auto Parts
Lowe’s
Max Dale’s Restaurant
McMillian Brothers Auction
Mobile Music Unlimited
Mount Vernon Building Center
Mount Vernon Frame & Axle
Mount Vernon Vision Source
Nelson Petroleum Distributing
Padgett Accounting Center
Port of Skagit County
Prime Outlets of Burlington
Prudential Skagit Realtors
Ray’s Auto Parts
Regence/Blue Shield
REMAX Valley Homes
Rent-A-Center
Riverside Health Club
Royal Forks Restaurant
Salon Per Dona Day Spa
Scott’s Book Store
Skagit Business & Staffing
Skagit County Business Monthly
Skagit County Fair
Skagit Farmer’s Supply
Skagit Ford Subaru
Skagit Gardens, Inc.
Skagit Valley College
Skagit Valley Hospital
Skagit Valley Medical Center
Skagit Valley Polaris
Skagit-Whatcom Electronics
Tazer Valley Farm
Tulip Inn
U.S. Bank Service
Wells Fargo Bank
Windemere Real Estate – Skagit
Valley
Wycoff Insurance
CHAMBER EVENTS
November 5
Fashion Show & Lunch
11:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Christ the King community center
November 9
Chamber Board Meeting
7: 30 a.m.
Skagit Station
Ambassador Meting
12:30 p.m.
Skagit Station
November 11
Business After Hours
Express Personnel Services
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
525 E. College Way, Ste F
November 25 & 26
Office closed
Veteren’s Day
Thanksgiving Weekend
Office Closed
Your LOCAL information resource
for Northwest Washington State
MacGregor
PUBLISHING COMPANY
THE PLAID BOOKS
Phone Directories • Newcomers’ & Visitors’ Guides
All Available at your Chamber of Commerce.
Or our offices: 17869 SR 536 • Mount Vernon
(360) 336-6171 • www.PlaidNET.com
www.mountvernonchamber.com
O F F I C E S TA F F
Executive Director
Kristen Whitener
Chamber Office Manager
Sue Sayer
Membership Development
Susie Heller
VIC
Keith Ridgley
The Bridge To Skagit Business
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Larry Clark
American Express Advisor
Vice President
Stephanie Hamilton
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Treasurer
Frank Tuzzolino
Geiger’s Custom Cleaning
Past President
Pat Grenfell
City Bakery
Legal Counsel
Rachelle Eason
Mike Begley
Claudine Joly
Georgiann Dustin
KAPS/KBRC
Encore Events
Libation Station
Boomer’s Sewing/
The Eason Law Firm, P.S. Vacuum Center
Jana Hanson
City of Mount Vernon
George Feldman
Haggen Food &
Pharmacy
Dan Berentson
Skagit County
Donnie Keltz
All State Insurance
Jon Pederson
Dottie Piazza
Piazza Construction
Tim Price
Edward Jones
Dale Ragan
Karl’s Paints
Dr. Karen Westra
Riverside Health Club
Carrie Parks
Landed Gentry
Prime West Graphics
PRESORTED
STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
MOUNT VERNON, WA
PERMIT No. 47
Phone: (360) 428-8547
(360) 424-6237
Fax:
Post Office Box 1007
Mount Vernon, WA 98273-1007
www.mountvernonchamber.com