Chamber Chat

Becki Day, Executive Director at the newly renovated office of the Chamber of Commerce – SJ Update photo

Chamber Chat is a monthly column written by Lauren Cohen, Co-owner San Juan Canvas, LLC and Chamber of Commerce Board President…

As July flies by it looks like we are having our usual crazy, crowded summer on the Island. All of us on the Chamber of Commerce Board and staff hope that all of our businesses are having a successful, prosperous summer so far. We look forward to checking in with our business owners in the fall for feedback on the summer’s business trends.

Events
The 4th of July was a wonderful, festive day with thousands of visitors enjoying an awesome parade and fireworks show. Thank you to Becki Day, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, for all of her hard work on this showcase event. Thanks also go out to Diana Mancel our parade coordinator, Kings Market and The Town of Friday Harbor, our major sponsors and, of course, to all members of our community who so generously made donations large and small. It was a true Island effort.

Thank you to the artists and crafts people that participated in the Summer Art Fair. The quality of work was exceptional as always. All involved at the Chamber are already working on a reinvention of the event for next year. Any positive ideas for improvement are welcome. Thank you so much to those of you who contacted the Chamber with praise, ideas and offers to help. That is what makes a successful event.

New Member
We would like to welcome our newest Chamber member, Aero Classic Aviation located on Airport Circle in Friday Harbor. Our newest member merchant offers flights in an open cockpit 1929 Waco Biplane. They also give flight lessons in their Piper PA-20. Stop in to say hello or go see the San Juan Islands from the air.

Renovation and Art on Loan Project
The renovation of the Chamber Office and Visitors Center is complete. Feel free to stop in and take a look at our new and improved space that we can be proud to welcome tourists into. We have also begun our “Art on Loan” project where local galleries and artists are rotating artwork for display at the Chamber. We would like to thank Alan Reff of Friday Harbor Gallery and Lee Brooks of Arctic Raven Gallery for providing the inaugural artwork. Currently displayed through July 31 is an amazing large photograph by Jim Maya called “Silent Runnings” and a spectacular giclee print by Thomas Stream called “Somewhere”. Stop by to take a look now and after August 1 when our new artwork goes up.

Chamber Social
The July Chamber Member Social is being hosted by the Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor. The attendees will be introduced to the future location of a new, state of the art shelter. The APSFH is engaged in a capital campaign to raise funds to build the new, badly needed facility. Please take a look at their website for more information and donate what you can to benefit the pets of San Juan Island that bring so much joy to our lives.

Until next month. Have a wonderful summer!

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