Chamber Chat

From left:  John Aschoff, Clare Kelm, Shelley Alan, Jenny Atkinson, Mary Jo Farrer – Contributed photo

It’s time for the October edition of Chamber Chat, written by Lauren Cohen, Co-owner San Juan Canvas, LLC and Chamber of Commerce Board President…

What a beautiful fall we are having. It is nice to still see so many visitors on the island, especially on the weekends. Hopefully all of our businesses are benefiting from the creative and fun shoulder season activities like Savor the San Juans and The Friday Harbor Film Festival. Great thanks are due to the organizers of these events and also to the Visitor’s Bureau for their outstanding promotion of our Islands.

Member Social
Thank you so much to The Whale Museum for hosting the October Chamber Social. Executive Director, Jenny Atkinson, her Board of Directors and staff served an “over the top” array of food and drink. We all had the opportunity to learn more about what is happening at this true community treasure. We are so proud to have The Whale Museum in Friday Harbor. Now is a GREAT time for locals to visit while it is a bit quieter. They are located at 62 First Street and open from 10:00-4:00 daily.

Featured Member
We are thrilled to recognize The Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor as our randomly selected “featured business” in October. The APSFH is a private, non-profit animal welfare organization. They do incredible work for the pets and pet lovers of San Juan Island so be sure to support them in any way you can. A capital campaign is currently underway to raise funds for a badly needed new shelter. Check out their website at www.apsfh.com to learn about events, volunteering, donating or adopting. Keep an eye open for a full press release on our newest featured business.

Fall Business Forums
Executive Director, Becki Day is looking forward to meeting with local business owners and managers in the Chamber’s fall business forums. Becki will be inviting merchants into her office in small groups to discuss how the summer went for everyone, share ideas, brainstorm strategies and chat about any general business concerns. Becki will be grouping the meetings into retail, restaurant, services and lodging. She will be reaching out to members in late October to set up the forums. Feel free to give her a call as well if you would like to participate.

Island Lights Festival
To every islander who will be here on San Juan Island on Friday, December 4, mark your calendar and plan to come into town for all of the festivities. We will ring in the holiday season beginning at 4:00 PM with an open house at The Whale Museum. This will include hot chocolate, cookies and ornament making for the kids. Next up… 5:30 meet at the bottom of Spring Street to watch our beautiful trees light up (thank you Town of Friday Harbor). Listen to some great choirs (to be announced) and we even expect a visit from Santa who will invite everyone up to Brickworks at 6:00 PM where the celebration will continue with hot cider, chestnuts roasting (yes, on an open fire), tree decorating and if you bring a donation for the Animal Shelter (item or cash) you can take pictures with Santa Claus.

Lets get “EVERY MAN WOMAN AND CHILD” off of the sofa, bundled up and out on the town to show our holiday spirit.

Support Local Business
Your San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce would like to encourage everyone to support your friends and neighbors by shopping locally whenever possible. The holiday season is just around the corner so keep all of our very own great shops, artists, crafts people, restaurants, hotels and services in mind when planning your holiday shopping.

Cheers until next month.

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