Chamber Chat

It’s time for the November 2015 edition of Chamber Chat, written by Lauren Cohen, Co-owner San Juan Canvas, LLC and Chamber of Commerce Board President…

Wow… it seems like we were just talking about our busy summer and here we are with the holidays right around the corner. The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Executive Director and staff would like to wish all of our members and all islanders a Happy Thanksgiving.

Living in such a beautiful place surrounded by kind and caring neighbors, we all have much to be thankful for. Show your gratitude for all of the goods and services provided by these friends and neighbors by shopping and buying locally for the holidays. This is your hometown!! It is important to support our local merchants.

Kim Wickman (L) and Laura Flaum – Contributed photo

November Member Social
Thank you so much to Kim Wickman, owner of Be Chic Boutique who hosted this month’s member social along with Laura Flaum, owner of Spring Street Deli and General Store with her husband David. Both businesses are located on Spring Street. Be Chic has beautiful, stylish clothing and accessories for women. Kim always has such good taste so it would be a great place to shop for holiday gifts. Be sure to pick up fresh sandwiches made to order anytime at the Spring Street Deli. Talk to Laura about catering your next party or event too!

Featured Member
This month, our Featured Member is Waterworks Gallery owned by Ruth Offen. Ruth opened Waterworks Gallery 30 years ago here in Friday Harbor. It is located at 315 Argyle Street. Her beautiful gallery showcases regional artists and contemporary artisan jewelry. Be sure to stop in to say hello and congratulate Ruth on 30 years in business. That is an impressive accomplishment in the islands. Cheers to Ruth!

New Members
We would like to welcome the following new chamber members:

Tracy James of Eagle Mortgage. Tracy is opening up her office in the Sundries Court and can be reached at tracyjames [@] eaglehm.com. If you are thinking about buying a home or refinancing. Give Tracy a call.

Julie Curley of Sea Cure Fire Extinguishers. Julie can help you with all of your fire extinguisher needs. Whether you are a business owner required to keep a functioning fire extinguisher in their shop, a homeowner or a government office, be sure to contact Julie at seacurefire [@] gmail.com

Island Lights
Ok every man, woman and child on San Juan Island… do you have December 4 on your calendar for the tree lighting and festivities. Let’s prove that our island is lively and celebratory during the holiday season. Bring everyone you know and come out to the Whale Museum at 4:00 PM, down to Memorial Park for Christmas carols and to watch Santa light our beautiful trees at 5:30, then to Brickworks around 6:00 PM for pictures with Santa, soup & cider, hot roasted chestnuts and general holiday cheer. We would love to see every single one of you there!

** Note to businesses: The Chamber will be giving out some awards for the best decorations this year. You do not have to enter and there is no fee. It is just for fun in the happy spirit of the holidays. Everyone decorate!!!

B.O.S.S. Begins
“Business Owners Sharing Solutions” our fall business forums spearheaded and hosted by Becki Day, our Executive Director. The meeting with the retail sector of our business community will have taken place by time you read this. Coming up in the next few weeks will be restaurant, services and lodging. Your input can really help the Chamber be a better voice for the needs of our small businesses. Please contact Becki if you would like to participate. These are small group gatherings in her office… snacks provided.

Annual Meeting & Quarterly Luncheon
All Chamber of Commerce members, be sure to mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 9 for our Annual Membership Meeting, Holiday Party, Donor Appreciation and Awards. It will be held at the Grange. Keep an eye on your mail for specifics Your chamber has changed a lot in the last eight months. Come celebrate our progress.

Also keep an eye out for information on the first Quarterly Luncheon of 2016. It will be held on Thursday, January 14 at Brickworks. Each luncheon will have an informative speaker who will address issues important to our business community. Town Administrator, Duncan Wilson will be our first speaker.

You can support the San Juan Update by doing business with our loyal advertisers, and by making a one-time contribution or a recurring donation.