Chamber Chat

It’s time again for Chamber Chat, written by Lauren Cohen, Co-Owner of San Juan Canvas & Chamber Board President…

Ready. Set. Go. Ok Chamber members and community residents, spring is right around the corner and you know what that means. Visitors! Spring break for schools will begin any time now and the small cruise ships will begin arriving. Are you ready? Tourism is the economic foundation for so many of our local businesses.

Something as simple as saying hello, treating visitors kindly, being helpful and welcoming will ultimately snowball into helping the entire island economy. Members, be sure to send the Chamber any specials, unique events or any information at all that you want us to promote so we can send this first wave of island guests your way. Happy Spring to you all.

Ian Boyden of IMA – Contributed photo

March Social
Great thanks go out the Island Museum of Art for hosting a fantastic social. Executive Director Ian Boyden, the IMA Board of Directors and the entire staff were incredibly welcoming and allowed Chamber members full access to the museum exhibits. There were well over 60 people in attendance enjoying the art, food, wine and business networking. We are so very fortunate to have this fantastic museum in our small town.

Ian spoke a bit about his philosophy and plans for the museum that include bringing in world renowned artists combined with local works. He was kind enough to give a brief presentation on the current exhibit by world renowned artist Al Weiwei which you should not miss. Along with this moving exhibit is a collection of prints by Francisco Goya and an installation by Portland artist Dana Lynn Louis. A fantastic photography exhibit is coming next month featuring Ansel Adams. The museum offers lectures, art walks, classes and more. It is a true treasure in our community. If you are interested in becoming a member, stop in, give a call or check them out at www.sjima.org.

Featured Member
Congratulations to Debbie Dardanelli owner of Girlfriend’s Consignment Shop who was randomly selected as our featured member of the month. Girlfriend’s is celebrating their fourth season. With more than a thousand never worn or lightly worn items of clothing that include big name designers, Girlfriend’s is a great place to shop on the island for both women and men too. If you are interested in shopping or consigning your quality clothing you can find Debbie and Girlfriend’s Consignment at 210 Nichols Street or give a call at 378-4475.

New Members

Welcome to the following new Chamber of Commerce members:

• Windjammer Carpet Cleaning- Eric & Nancy Fusare
  Residential, commercial and upholstery cleaning.
  378-4902 or [email protected]
• Chris Teren Photography- Chris Teren
  Spectacular fine art photography as well as real estate, aerial and product photos.
  Terenphotography.com
  472-0879 or [email protected]
• Belle Terre Ceramics – Lauren Jawer
  Belle Terre is a working ceramics studio creating beautiful products. Lauren also holds workshops she calls Clay Therapy for those needing a creative outlet.
  378-9425 or [email protected]
• Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching – Spencer & Rachel Domico
  Whale watching adventures operating year around out of Snug Harbor. Small group eco-adventures with experienced captains, marine naturalists and biologists that have extensive knowledge of Salish Sea and Orcas
  378-7996 or [email protected]
• Lawton Publishing – Laura Lawton
  A 4th generation family run company since 1975. Lawton Publishing partners with Chambers of Commerce nationwide to help with their publishing and member management needs. Laura and her team will be here on San Juan Island for a few weeks contacting business owners for our annual visitor’s guide.
  509-321-1455 or http://www.lawton-publishing.com/ or [email protected]
• Ogle Fine Art Studio- Terry & Janie Ogle
  Located at 180 First Street, this husband and wife team of artists have some of their beautiful work on display. Stop in to see Terry’s wood carvings or paintings and Janie’s hand painted silk scarves.
  317-5163 or [email protected]

What Else Is Coming Up?

Where Is Becki – Scavenger Hunt Business Promotion- Sponsored by Islanders Bank

During the month of April, Becki Day, our Executive Director, will be visiting different member businesses around the island and taking a “selfie” at that business. The photo will be posted on the Chamber’s Facebook page.

All guesses as to what business she is visiting should be posted on the Chamber’s Facebook page for each sighting. At the end of the month, a drawing will be held of all of the correct answers. The lucky winner will receive an IPAD Air donated by our sponsor, Islanders Bank. Join in on this fun promotion and be sure to patronize our local businesses.

Chamber Quarterly Luncheon – The next quarterly luncheon will be on Monday, April 11 at Brickworks. This event will be a kick off to our busy season with brief updates on any information you might need to know to plan. It would be great to see every member business represented. Put is on your calendar. Contact Becki if you would like to attend.

The Great Islands Clean Up – This year the event will be on Saturday, April 23 from 9:00-12:00. Everyone is invited on San Juan, Orcas and Lopez Islands to pick up trash along the roads and beaches. You can participate as an individual, family, large group or business. Roadside pick up is being coordinated by David Dehlendorf who can be reached at 378-1082 or [email protected]. Beach clean up is being coordinated by Jana Marks who can be reached at 378-2319 or [email protected]. Come on out and keep our islands beautiful!

Until next month… Cheers!

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