novemBER 2010

819 Commercial Avenue Anacortes, WA 98221 360.293.7911 [email protected] www.anacortes.org

The Newsletter of the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce Volume 20 / Issue 11 calendar AFP Update he second of the Futures Project community input sessions will be Tuesday, November 2 3:00 pm Theld on November 16 at City from 5:00–7:00 p.m. This session Marketing & Promotions Division Meeting will build on input from the initial kick-off held October 28. It is impor- Chamber Office tant that the business community take part in this process. The goal is development of a master plan by June 2011, encompassing a vision of Thursday, November 4 11:45 am Anacortes in 2025. Ambassador Lunch Meeting Chamber Office

Tuesday, November 9 2:45 pm business after hours Membership Division Meeting Chamber Office Nantucket Inn Thursday, November 12 3:45 pm oin us for the November 18, from 5:30–7:00 pm Governmental Affairs Division Meeting Jfor the business after hours at the Nantucket Chamber Office Inn (3402 Commercial Avenue), co-sponsored by Avenue Catering—who will be providing an assort- Thursday, November 18 4:00 pm ment of holiday cuisine. Economic Development Division Meeting Built in 1925, the Nantucket Inn is a spacious Chamber Office colonial mansion that now offers individual guest reservations as well as entire property rentals. Under new ownership, the Nantucket Inn Thursday, November 18 5:30 – 7:00 pm has been tastefully restored with contemporary yet elegant furnishings and new appliances Business After Hours featuring eight individually decorated , ten , two fully-equipped Nantucket Inn and two laundry . The main ’s layout flows fluidly from the cozy with intimate Friday, November 19 10:30 am breakfast nook to the elegant and into the fabulous, welcoming . The Finance/Executive Meeting Nantucket provides a perfect destination for your wedding, executive retreat, reunion, company Chamber Office party in addition to leisure, corporate and government travel.

Tuesday, November 23 3:45 pm Board of Directors Meeting chamber board retreat Chamber Office

Tuesday, November 30 9:00 am Let’s Make a Difference! VIC Meeting he chamber board is gearing up for a busy 2011 with more Chamber Office Tevents, more projects, more benefits and more business for chamber members. The new and past chamber board members, along with the cornerstone members division chairs, met for their annual planning retreat two weeks ago. The morning started off with Mayor Dean Maxwell who talked to the group about the city of Anacortes and how the chamber and the business community can work with the city to achieve our mutual goals for Anacortes. Kristen Whitener, the president of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce talked about what makes a great chamber of commerce. Vince Oliver, the CEO of Island Hospital, talked about the growth and expansion of the hospital and the challenges of the medical business today. (see Retreat continued on page 2) Retreat that want to meet in a pleasant Continued from page 1 coastal town. When groups visit, like the The board then stepped through the recent Maserati car club, we chamber year and looked at many programs, want to point the visitors to our some new ideas and some adaptions of old local businesses and make sure programs. So, what is the plan for 2011? they have a pleasant stay. The Planning is still in process, but watch for the chamber will continue to explore Spring Wine Festival and the Oktoberfest and expand our use of the power to both move to a two-day format. Economic of the internet with its market- Development was a hot topic for the board. ing of Anacortes to visitors and The last several years the focus was on the businesses that want to locate Many attendees discover Anacortes for the first Anacortes Futures Project, which is now here. moving forward in the public input phase as With a theme line of “connect the dots” We are taking this project on as a priority. time through [the Arts Festival] and then set a joint project together with the city and the the chamber will be working to make sure Watch for our new 12 @ 12 noon their sights on our town for return visits. port. our local businesses can be found via the program, where we will be scheduling lunch Now, the chamber will be looking to web. The chamber will be looking to add to meetings with our members and a mix of our some near-term objectives to improve the member value and many board members local elected officials on a number of themes. business economy in Anacortes. In 2011, the have taken individual goals and projects on Your board believes that good communica- chamber will be looking to expand our tour- themselves. tions can drive improvements on both sides. ism season with small events that fill in the Revitalization of our local businesses was Last, the board agreed to take on the other months. The new Oktoberfest event in a big topic and the chamber will be working challenge of developing a 3–5 year strategic October is an example of our work to expand several ideas through the standing commit- plan and vision for the chamber. the season for attracting visitors to Ana- tees and task forces. One project the chamber Your board is charged up and ready to go cortes. The chamber recognizes that tourism will be taking on is an effort to connect the to make a difference in 2011. needs to be scaled to Anacortes and will be downtown with the waterfront. This has been —Mark Bunzel looking for small- to medium-sized events discussed in Anacortes for the last 50 years. Chamber President

Tourism Update

ccommodation and tourism-related ogy, which is designed to fuel our economy Achamber members are partnering and generate incremental hotel stays. with mynorthwest.com to help launch an Hoteliers will work with other service pro- interactive page, Northwest Travel Deals. viders to create attractive packages to entice (mynorthwest.com is the website that KIRO visitors to our community. They are then listeners are directed to and draws on the able post these deals on Northwest Travel 1.5 million fans of that station and its affili- Deals—having complete access to update ates.) and change offerings as desired. Throughout Consumers of leisure travel are motivat- the process mynorthwest.com will create ed to visit one destination over another, or radio spots directing listeners to check out even take additional unplanned trips, if they the deals each community is offering. have regular access to what is going on and Mynorthwest.com has 420,000 unique an awareness of special prices or packages. and engaged visitors per month who spend Northwest Travel Deals highlights cities an average of 24+ minutes on the site. Tap- throughout the region with real-time travel ping in to that audience is a great first step as The beta for Northwest Travel Deals is deals and contests. Anacortes is taking part we work to build promotions for Anacortes— set for November 1 with a revved up site in a seven month trail of this new technol- as a getaway destination. slated for January 1.

2 The Islands Chapter Together we can save a life

Sign up today for life saving classes call now at 360-293-2911 • Or visit us on the web at www.asjiredcross.org member profile Sound Computing Systems ound Computing Solutions is a locally Earlier this year Pete and Shelly’s started their Sowned and operated computer repair and in- own family when they were blessed with the formation technology services company. Based birth of their daughter. in Anacortes, Sound Computing Solutions Pete and Shelly started Sound Comput- serves customers in Skagit and Island Coun- ing Solutions in 2007. Their education and ties. We specialize in onsite repair and support experience in the information technology someone else. services for residential and business custom- industry spans over 20 years in a variety of Sound Computing Solutions is a member ers. At Sound Computing Solutions we feel the roles and companies. Pete and Shelly both of the Anacortes and Oak Harbor Chambers of optimal way to solve computing problems is to graduated from Washington State University Commerce and is involved in the local business work onsite with our customers to solve their in May 1999 and were married later that year. referral group Greater Anacortes Connections. technology problems and needs. Pete received a degree in Computer Science Their ties to the community are not limited to Owners and Operators Pete and Shelly and has worked for a variety of technology business. They also actively donate and volun- Pettersen moved to Anacortes in 2002. Pete companies including Verizon. Shelly received teer in local charitable organizations. has family ties to Anacortes dating back to the her degree in Psychology and has worked for They provide a variety of computer repair 1950s when his grandparents first purchased Microsoft and Boeing. Owning and operating and support services and can cater to any property in the area. The decision to move to an information technology company has al- size job or support situation. Call them at Anacortes was easy for Pete and Shelly. Their ways been a goal for them. Their experiences 360-588-2244 for answers to your questions love for the outdoors and desire to live in a working for other technology companies left about services and pricing. small, close-knit community made Anacortes them with a desire to provide best in class They look forward to solving your com- an easy choice to live and raise a family. customer service not found while working for puting needs! meet your board Katherine Sherman atherine Sherman moved to Anacortes in ine’s life in Anacortes. She served on the academic K1995 and has been the gallery director/ Anacortes Arts Festival board of directors and athletic owner of Scott Milo Gallery at the Frame- for four years, acting as president for two of programs here maker for the past 15 years. Scott Milo them. She is currently on the 2012 Tulip Fes- in town. She Gallery works with more than 40 regional art- tival poster design committee and a member is often seen ists and puts up about nine exhibitions each of EDASC. zipping around year. For the past 12 years, Katherine has Katherine’s background in commercial town with a organized the two chamber artwalks for the property management, marketing and busi- car load of downtown merchants in June and December. ness management is an asset to be utilized kids running to Additionally, she coordinates the very popular by many of the chamber of commerce’s task various events. monthly First Friday Gallery Walks. groups. She looks forward to joining a group In the past Katherine has served as a Girl The Framemaker has provided custom that will benefit from her input. As part of Scout leader and a Parks and Rec soccer picture framing for the community for close fulfilling her board member duties, she looks coach. This year she is again helping with the to 20 years and by using the latest equipment, forward to attending more of the chamber’s Reflections Art Program for the local schools. mat cutting technology and design styles they monthly functions, especially the business have enhanced the beauty and longevity of after hours events so she can meet more many pieces of art. community members. Providing volunteer service to the com- Being the mother of two teenage girls, munity has been a leading factor in Kather- Katherine manages to stay active in the 3

MacGregor

Yellow Pages • Internet • Websites • Direct Mail • Search Marketing • Video Phone (360) 336-6171 or Visit www.yellowbook.com

member announcement member announcement EDASC’s Swing Into Anacortes American The Holidays claims awards Dinner, Dance & Auction You’ll Sox find Friday, December 3, 2010 it all in the city in Who says you can’t buy sox in Anacortes? Or saws Anacortes or sofas or scrapbook supplies? Or skylights or stoves or sauté pans? Local businesses offer more goods and 6pm: Social Hour featuring entertainment services than you can imagine. When you shop locally you create even more choice. by the Skagit Valley Chorale Merchants like Anne Smith at Upstage Boutique and Men’s Store pick products based on what they know Saturday, November 6 you want and like. Local businesses carry a wider 7pm: Elegant dinner followed by a fast- array of unique products because they buy for our own individual market. 6:00 pm paced lively auction, entertainment & Learn more at www.anacortes.org ... Buy Close By ... Buy Close By ... Buy Close By ... Buy Close By ... Buy Close By ... Buy Close Port of Anacortes dancing $75 per person Historic Warehouse he staff of the Anacortes American, or $575 when you reserve a table of 8 Tcompeting with papers the same size, Tickets $40 To order your tickets, please call garnered 16 awards for writing, pho- (360) 336-6114 or visit www.skagit.org he planning committee promises a tography, page design, special sections Location: St. Joseph Center and advertising in the 2010 Washington Twonderful evening of dinner, dancing and 215 North 15th Street, Mount Vernon revelry. If you do not have a reservation, call Newspaper Publishers Association’s Better the chamber today. Newspaper Contest. Included were two where the American member announcement collaborated with the chamber. Headline Sponsor: The Anacortes American staff won Quantum Construction third place in Best Special Section — Special Events/Festivals for the Anacortes anniversary Waterfront Festival 2009 tab. arin and Mike Baldwin recently celebrat- Publisher Jack Darnton won second Ked a five year ownership anniversary of place in Ad Campaign for Single Advertiser Music Sponsor: Quantum Construction, Inc. in Anacortes. for a series of ads for the Anacortes Cham- • Chandler’s Square— a Retirement They have been involved with Quantum for ber of Commerce’s Buy Close By. “Great Community 22 years, beginning with Mike’s employ- use of theme and logo,” the judge said. ment in 1988. In 2005 he and Karin Signature Sponsor: acquired ownership from Beth and Dan • Anacortes Construction Services Folkers. Mike stayed on as lead Project Arts Festival Cultural Arts • Anacortes Kayak Tours Manager as Karin became the company Series Presents Brasilian president. Quantum is a local leader as a • Barrett Financial Martial Arts and Dance Show • Bunnies By The Bay General Contractor Commercial, Residential and Industrial projects. • Curtis Payne Agency—Farmers Insurance ward-winning Aché Brasil will perform The Baldwins celebrated by hosting a • Edward Jones at Brodniak Hall Friday night November fall themed party for employees at the end A • pflynn+associates 5, 2010 at 7pm. Driving percussion, exotic of September, complete with wine and craft • Quantum Construction traditional instruments, masks, brilliant beer tasting and catered meal. • Guild Mortgage color with capoeira moves, acrobatics and • Read Me A Story Carnival-style Samba dancing are elements • San Juan Rehab & Care Center of this spectacle. Aché Brasil was recently • Shell Puget Sound Refinery nominated for “Live Performers of the Year” • Steam Interactive at the West Coast Music Awards. Fidalgo Island Rotary purchased the • Swinomish Casino Tickets: $15 Adults, $5 Youth under 18 mattresses for the new Anacortes Family • Upstage Boutique & Men’s Store at Brownpapertickets.com. Shelter. • Walgreen’s Drug Store 4 Contacting ribbon cuttings Cecilie Miller ecilie Miller joins Cthe chamber as a work- student Ships’ Crews from North Seattle Community College where she is work- ing on her degree in communications and media. This degree will reflect her already Key Bank opened with a ribbon cutting in accomplished professional life. Cecilie has October. been a small business owner including an Art Gallery here in Anacortes, a vintage clothing shop, and a Café/Art Bar both in Seattle. She served on the board of direc- tors at the Center on Contemporary Art where she was involved in creating many successful fund-raising events. She is also Chamber board member Matt Mckay greets a chamber member, she and her mother the captain of the Mosor out of Croatia, Kari own and operate The Troll , a which was docked in Anacortes to on-load guest cabin off Marine Drive. “I am very the coke product from Shell. Matt and excited to be working for the chamber; they other board members have been working to set the bar high for excellence in all aspects provide welcome packets to crews visiting of what they do,” comments Cecilie. Anacortes.

variety of commercial ships dock in The chamber and city welcome the doctors Anacortes each year. They are typically A of Island Internal Medicine at a ribbon cut- manned by several officers and varying num- ting last month. ber of crew members, who are given leave to come ashore, with a fair amount of accrued Quick turnaround... pay. The chamber, through its Membership Division, has been working to develop a pro- member announcement gram to accommodate these crews, provide n Saturday November 13, Read Me A informational resources, and encourage them Story will be participating in the first to spend money with local merchants. O National Neighborhood Toy Store Day. The first ship to be visited under this pro- Independent toy stores across the nation gram, the Mosor, hailed from Split, Croatia. will be celebrating with their communities Board member Matt McKay, the chair of the as well as announcing the ASTRA (Ameri- Membership Committee, went aboard with We’re known for it. can Specialty Toy Retailing Association) Stephanie Hamilton, met the captain and Best Toys for Kids Award list for 2010. All FULL SERVICE COPY CENTER most of the 20-person Croatian crew, and toys will be on display and available for 29¢ color copies (letter size) presented each with a welcome bag, contain- purchase that day. Stop by Read Me A 7¢ black & white copies (letter size) ing a coupon book, city map, and other ma- Spiral, wire, comb binding • hot laminating Story on the 13th for a day filled with old terials. The Mosor was in Anacortes to take business cards • custom greeting cards fashioned family fun! They have a day on a coke shipment. They appreciated the planned with games, contests, activities Bayshore Office Products welcome—we look forward to future visits. and food. Sign up to receive email updates 603 Commercial Ave. 360-293-4669 Thanks for outgoing President Mike Trafton at [email protected] or find them www.bayshoreoffice.com for his direction in getting this program up on Facebook! [email protected] and running. 5 A community within a community! Stop by and get Fidalgo Bay. Burrows Bay. acquainted with our Fisherman Bay. Windermere Real Estate/Anacortes Properties independent and Residential Real Estate Services assisted living services. We know all the hot spots. 360-293-1300 360-293-8008 1300 “O” Ave. • Anacortes, WA • [email protected] www.AnacortesRealEstate.com

member renewals new members Port Commissioner • Allied Realtors Crash Scene Safety Instruction Roundtable • Biz Point Communications • Christ the King Community Church (CSSI) he Port Commissioners will be avail- • Clean & Clip (360) 202-3106 Table for questions/comments in a • Deception Cafe & Grill 1219 37th Street business roundtable, to be held next • Depot Arts Center Anacortes, WA 98221 Monday, November 15 from 5:15–6:30 in • Ruth Dorsey, John L. Scott Real Estate [email protected] the city library meeting room/annex. All • Fidalgo Island Quilt Guild Rick Wallace chamber members are invited. Light re- • Guemes Island Resort Motorcycle Safety Education freshments will be served. This is a great • David J. Kuzma, DDS PS opportunity to hear about what is going • Lincoln Theatre Centre Key Bank on at the Port—2010 accomplishments • MacGregor Publishing Company (360) 293-5611 and 2011 goals—as well as provide input • McManus Photography & Design 1600 Commercial Ave. to the Port Commissioners. Please RSVP • Salon Bella Bella and Day Spa Anacortes, WA 98221 to the chamber office so we can fine-tune www.key.com the catering (293-7911). • San Juan Passage • SonHouse [email protected] • The Farmhouse Restaurant Liz Svoboda • Tokyo Japanese Restaurant Banking member announcement • Zap Pro Lube & Brake Lincoln Theatre Centre Foundation Key Bank (360) 419-7129 Christmas Program P.O. Box 2312 Grand Opening Mount Vernon, WA 98273 www.lincolntheatre.org eyBank is proud to be opening its 159th his year’s Christmas Tree is [email protected] Kbranch in the state of Washington here Tset for December 3 at 6:00 pm. Once in Anacortes. The branch team will be able again our local youth choirs and bands Thomas Mayes to provide consumer financial services, as will set the stage to kick-off the Christ- Theater well as private banking, business banking, mas season and Santa will come and SBA lending, mortgage loans, invest- light the tree. This celebration also kicks 7-Eleven Food Store ment services and trust services. Their off the chamber sponsored art walk, (360) 293-6780 goal is to bring an excellent experience in a which runs from 6:00–9:00 pm on Friday 1102-12th Street convenient location and look forward to the and 10:00 am–5:00 pm on Saturday. Anacortes, WA 98221 opportunity to be an active partner with the Joining the art walk galleries who host [email protected] the monthly First Friday events are retail- community. Parminder S. Gill ers featuring a variety of artists. This is Please join us for their Grand Open- Convenience Food Store ing Celebration on Saturday, November a fun way to spend some time wandering through downtown and completing your 6th from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Custom- Tokyo Japanese Restaurant ers and visitors are invited to enjoy lunch holiday shopping. (360) 293-9898 and fun family activities including a guest 818 Commercial Avenue appearance by a Pacific Northwest icon JP Patches. There will also be face painting, Anacortes, WA 98221 balloon animal artist, and KISS FM person- Su Jin Jo Victoria Starr found the illustrated map alities will be on location broadcasting and Restaurant for Aspen, CO so useful on a visit 20 giving away prizes. Visitors are invited to years ago that she began producing her register to win a $500 Key Possibilities gift own Starr maps—now grown to 40 great card from October 18th–November 6th. towns all over the country.

6 HOME • AUTO • COMMERCIAL

360-293-2135 901 - 24TH STREET www.risnet.com

2010 Anacortes Oktoberfest thanks... hank you to the following businesses he first annual Anacortes Tfor donating a return trip to Anacortes TOktoberfest—Beer on the at the Oktoberfest. Collecting entrants Pier was a huge success, contact information will help us to evalu- with over 1000 ticket hold- ate our future marketing of this event. The ers, brewers and volunteers event sold more than 850 tickets—and of in attendance. Last year the the 290 event goers who gave us their in- chamber decided to dis- formation 60% were from out of the area. continue the six-year run of Thank you Adrfit, Anacortes Brew- the Anacortes Jazz Festival, ery/Rockfish Grill, Anacortes Kayak because of its inability to Left: Allen and Lisa Rhoades (Anacortes Brewery) enjoy Tours, Bob’s Chowder and BBQ Salmon, fulfill the mission of bringing the festival. Right: Oktoberfest founder and Chair, Rick Star Calico Cupboard, Insights Gallery, Island visitors to town during the (Rockfish Grill) celebrates with his wife, Carole, Mary Staley Adventures , Islands Inn, Majestic Inn shoulder season. Past jazz (Chandler’s Square—A Retirement Community), and Jack & Spa, Northwest Brewers Supply, The chairman and chamber board Hamilton (Labor Ready). Brown Lantern for donating to a great member, Rick Star (Rockfish Thanks also to the investment partners: package! Grill), proposed an Oktoberfest and aimed to make it the largest brewer participating Keg: event in the northwest. He and the plan- • Anacortes Inn ning committee reached that goal with flying • Guild Mortgage Company White Lights colors. Through an extensive advertising and • Heart of Anacortes he chamber will once again be investing grassroots promotional campaign word got • KWLE 1340 the Whale in brightening up downtown by putting out and our community was filled with visitors T Stein: white lights on the trees along Commer- from all over the region. • Barrett Financial Service, Ltd. cial Avenue. To add to the festive feel, we Many thanks go to the planning commit- • Cascadia Weekly encourage businesses all over Anacortes to tee, who worked to make this a truly memo- • Cap Sante Inn decorate their or storefronts. A rable experience and will take the lessons • Coldwell Banker—Island Living white lights and bright colors contest will learned this year to make next year’s event • Donatello Flowers & Gifts take place with judging happening Novem- even better. • Island Rental & Supply ber 30. Contact the chamber if you would Planning committee: Tim and Lorrisa • Key Bank like to take part. Dussault (Pacific Rim Fire Extinguisher Ser- • Northwest Rigging vice), Tim Lemons (Chamber Realtor—Wind- • Upstage Boutique & Men’s Store ermere), Joel Pemberton (Sunriver Distribut- • Whidbey Island Bank ing), Kevin Pierce (Anacortes Brewery) and • Windermere Marie Webster (Island Rentals). Also, thanks • Wizards of Ooze The Farmhouse Restaurant is 7 miles from to Mary and Danielle for their humongous Anacortes, 7 miles from Mount Vernon, efforts in pulling off this new event—and once Friends: and 7 miles from Burlington—a great again making it seamless. • Steve & Linda Wilhoit central location for meals and meetings. Chamber of Commerce Holiday Artwalk ark your calendars for the Chamber of Commerce Holiday Artwalk on Friday, December 3 from 6–9pm, after the chamber’s tree lighting Mceremony and Saturday, December 4 from 10 am to 5pm. More than 20 merchants in Old Town Anacortes will show the work of local artists. There will be paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, music, treats and other grand creations to fulfill your needs. Check the upcoming announcements for details. Come shop for the holidays and enjoy the event. Friday night’s event will be in conjunction with the First Friday Gallery walk.

7 PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID ANACORTES, WA PERMIT NO. 44 819 Commercial Ave., Suite F Anacortes, WA 98221

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

chamber officers vic (visitor information center) statistics

Executive Board Sept. 2010 Sept. 2009 Sept. 2010 Sept. 2009 President Visitors 1953 2066 Relocation Requests 10 23 Phone Calls 318 162 Web Visits 9,574 8,846 Mark Bunzel Fine Edge Nautical & Recreational Publishing Information Requests 142 30 Web Page Views 30,461 33,319 President Elect Kristi Gabrielse Ana-Cross Stitch Thank you, volunteers! Visit us on the web at www.anacortes.org Secretary Pete Kovach Chandler’s Square, A Retirement Community Treasurer Peter Whiting Northwest Trawlers Martini Bar Past President Mike Trafton Bank of the Pacific Dancing Board of Directors Robert Atterberry Bob’s Chowder Bar & BBQ Salmon Karin Baldwin Quantum Construction Jody Barnett Shell Puget Sound Refinery Bela Berghuys Islands Inn Bret Lunsford Skagit County Fairgrounds Matt McKay HR Strategies Curt Oppel John L. Scott Real Estate John Pope Tesoro Refining & Marketing Co. Saturday, November 6 Erik Schorr Anacortes Kayak Tours Katherine Sherman Scott Milo at the Framemaker 6:00 pm

Chamber Staff Port of Anacortes Cigar & Scotch Tent Stephanie Hamilton Marketing Director Mary Talosi Visitor Information & Operations Director Historic Warehouse Great Food Danielle Schmidt Office Coordinator Kristi Daniels & Crystal Johnson Licensing Sub-Agents Tickets $40 Photography by Steve Berentson Contact the chamber for information and tickets—360-293-7911 Newsletter designed by Linda J. McGuire www.anacortes.org

Printed at Bayshore copy CENTER Inside Bayshore Office Products 603 Commercial Ave. • Anacortes, WA 360-293-4669 • [email protected]