Chamber Chat

This is the SJI Chamber of Commerce’s “Chamber Chat” column for Spring 2018…
by Gail Schnee – San Juan Island Chamber Board President, Co-Owner of Cotton Cotton Cotton, and Becki Day – Executive Director

Spring is here and it seems like Mother Nature knows what to do! We have had some early warm weather and sunshine and now we are back to a little rain and clouds. Fortunately, we all know that the warm weather will get here soon enough!           

With spring here, we are seeing changes to businesses… we have some new ones and then some businesses that have closed their doors. We thank Paul Ahart of Island Bicycles, and Joy and Denny Sevier of San Juan Wireless for their many years in business and for their contributions to our community. We wish you all the best in your new journeys.

Last month we had a ribbon cutting, celebrating Debbie Staehlin and Heather Easley’s new venture, the Friday Harbor Trading Post. They have a little bit of everything there, including house-made donuts on weekends, Spokandy truffles, Girl Meets Dirt products, craft beers, hand selected wines and more. It is located at 135 Spring Street.

This Saturday, the 7^th, we have a ribbon cutting at Island Home Finishes, a Sears Hometown Store. Their 2 day grand opening event starts at 11:00 this Friday and Saturday. Stop by the store, 535 Market Street, and see all they have to offer while enjoying the festivities.

We also welcome new members Cheesecake Café, St. David’s Episcopal Church, Susanna’s Sewing Services, Juanderers and the Web Suites. Check out the Chamber website, www.sanjuanisland.org, for more information on these new members and businesses.

We have been gearing up for the busy season and have already seen an increase in visitors to our office this week. Last year, our Visitor Information Center handed out maps, gave directions and helped 24,000 people who walked through our front door! Our new office definitely gave us better exposure and we expect to help even more visitors this year.

The Chamber Board of Directors and the staff have been hard at work with the beginning stages of planning the 4^th of July Parade and Fireworks. We will announce the theme for the parade on April 16^th at the Quarterly Luncheon so stay tuned!

Stay dry and Happy Spring!

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.