Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber 119 N. Commercial, #110 Bellingham, WA 98225

2017 Speeches

State of the city / state BELLINGHAM/WHATCOM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY NEWSLETTER May/June 2017 of the county addresses CHAIRMANS CLUB MEMBERS

Hoopin’ it up at July 4th Celebration Disaster preparedness

Join us on July 4th as we host the area’s third annual Hoop It Up 3x3 basketball tournament presented by Haggen Northwest State of the state Fresh and the . legislative update “Last year's tournament was a huge success. We’re building on Sponsored that excitement which brings more basketball players and their by: families to the Haggen Family 4th of July Celebration,” said Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Guy Occhiogrosso.

Registration fees range from $100-140 per team. Anyone age eight or older may participate and register through the Hoop It Stay tuned For updated Up website, www.HoopItUp.com. Teams will consist of four players — three starters and one substitute — and can compete information in a variety of skill or age divisions. The team registration deadline is July 1st. All ages and all skill levels are wel- Upcoming Chamber events come to play. "And this year, we are really excited to announce that we have a Special Olympics division," said Shelli Jones, Marketing BWCCI June 9 Coordinator for the Chamber. "I had the privilege to meet a May 12 May 20 Networking Breakfast Board of Directors Special Olympics representative while vending at the Outdoor Networking Breakfast Junior Ski to Sea Race Sponsored by: WhatcomTalk Troy Wills, First Federal Recreation Expo. He pointed out that basketball is the most Sponsored by: Caliber Home Loans Sponsored by: Haggen NW Fresh Where: Northwood Hall popular sport at the Special Olympics and asked if we could Where: Northwood Hall Where: Lake Padden Park Glen Groenig, The UPS Store 3240 Northwood Ave., Bellingham create a division specifically for them. On Monday morning, I 3240 Northwood Ave., Bellingham When: 8 am—2:45 pm When: 7:15—9 a.m. Rene Morris, called Hoop It Up to tell them about the request and they were When: 7:15—9 a.m. Cost: $150 with Registration by April 13 Emcee: Billy Tierney Emcee: Mary Kay Robinson $180 with registration after April 13 Cost: $16 with RSVP by 7:15 am on June 7 Anne Rasmussen, PeaceHealth equally excited to add the Special Olympics division." Cost: $16 with RSVP by 7:15 am on May 10 Register teams at Bellingham.com $20 with RSVP after 7:15 am on June 7 Lynn Murphy, Puget Sound Energy $20 with RSVP after 7:15 am on May 10 Race Times: RSVP at bellingham.com "We want the tournament to be all-inclusive and make everyone RSVP at bellingham.com Elementary A.M. Grades 3-5 Cale Luna, Advanced Solutions Tech feel welcome to play" Jones continued. "This year we are also 8:oo check in; Race starts at 9 June 15 Don Kurtis, Cascade Radio Group reaching out-of-market with television ads inviting players from Middle School /Community Grades 6-8 Snohomish and King Counties as well as Spokane. We have local May 18 1:oo check in; Race starts at noon Business After Business Lesa Boxx, Country Financial Sponsored by: hotels offering a "Hoop it Up rate" for participants as well as swag Business After Business Elementary P.M. Grades 3-5 Seth Woolson, Chmelik, Sitkin Davis Sponsored by: Holiday Inn 1:15 check in; Race starts at 2:15 American Family Insurance bags from member businesses." Where: 804 10th St, Bellingham Seth Carson Agency Lori Reece, RE/MAX Where: Winners in each division qualify for the Hoop It Up National Tournament, and winners in the When: 5:30—7:30 pm Keith Coleman, SpringHill Suites Cost: Free to attend / No RSVP needed! May 27 1308 Meador Ave. Suite C-9 men’s and women’s Top Gun divisions could qualify for the USA Basketball National Blossomtime Parade When: 5:30 — 7:30 pm Kathy Herndon, VSH CPAs Tournament. Cost: Free to attend Sponsored by: Anne Bowen, Edward Jones May 19 Sanitary Service Company, Inc No RSVP needed! The tournament, presented by Haggen and the Port of Bellingham and sponsored by WECU, Les Junior Ski to Sea Parade Where: Cornwall Ave from Alabama St. to Members and Non-members are welcome! Pinky Vargas, City of Bellingham Schwab, KISM and KPUG, will be held Tuesday, July 4, at Bellingham’s Zuanich Point Park as part Sponsored by: Haggen NW Fresh Champion, then east to N. State. The parade Rud Browne, Whatcom County of the Haggen Family 4th of July Celebration. Teams can register at www.haggen.com/HoopItUp. Where: Cornwall Ave to Railroad ends at N. State and York streets July 4 When: Parade begins at 6:00 pm Rob Fix, Port of Bellingham When: Noon Haggen Family 4th of July For more information on the Haggen Family 4th of July Celebration and the Hoop It Up 3x3 Registration for vehicles & marching bands at Participants register at Bellingham.com Sponsored by: Haggen & Port of Bellingham Bob Wilson, Whatcom COG Tournament, visit Bellingham.com, HoopItUp.com or contact the chamber at 360-734-1330. Bellingham.com No registration necessary for Where: Zuanich Point Park those walking in the parade! When: July 4, 10am-11:30pm Cassie Robles, Rice Insurance

BELLINGHAM/WHATCOM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY NEWSLETTER bellingham.com BELLINGHAM/WHATCOM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY NEWSLETTER bellingham.com

Welcome Member of the Week Chamber News

New Members! Get to know your Get to know your Chamber Board of Directors: Aperture Electric February 2017 March 2017 Chamber Ambassador: Troy Wills, Board Chair Orchard Park Retirement Living Mary Kay Robinson Papa John’s Pizza Name? Troy Wills Name: Mary Kay Robinson Business? First Federal Bank Republic Services Business: Windermere Real Es- Job Title? V.P. | Market Area Manager Simply Posted tate Years in current role/with employer/in Job Title: Real Estate Broker The ARC of Whatcom County industry? 2 years current role | 26 years in Years in current role/with industry Viva Tierra Organic employer/in industry: 25 How long have you been a Chamber Wyndham Vacation Ownership years in real estate industry, 5 board member? Board Member 6+ years years with Windermere How long have you been a Industry questions: chamber ambassador? What is the most important change that Over 10 years—I don’t remem- has occurred in your business or indus- Bellingham Physical Therapy Bellingham GuestHouse Inn ber exactly! Did Millie keep re- try in the past year? Technology with cords? Mary Kay Robinson banking is changing…options and choices and I Troy Wills Windermere Real Estate am really enjoying that. First Federal Industry Questions: Do you see any trends that your company will need to respond What is your personal favorite product or service that your company to in the next year? YES — the lack of housing inventory is driving up sells/provides and why? Banking is banking…however at First Federal we pro- prices for homeowners as well as renters. mote “community” and I love that package to sell.

What is the best piece of advice you could give someone who is Do you see any industry trends that your company will need to respond starting out in your industry? Compare and contrast the different to in the next year? Banking is changing…people want options and technology. real estate business models and chose the one that best fits your values, We have to stay focused on personalized service and being open to options! You work style and personality. When those two areas are in sync, success is can’t be everything to everybody…it’s a balance. guaranteed! Cameron Stewart of Minuteman What is the best piece of advice you could give someone who is starting Press shows his Chamber pride with Brookdale fairhaven The Muljat Group Profession Question: out in your industry? Be honest with yourself and be patient! a “ your Chamber” sign! What or who is your top “go-to” place or person for business If you could own/operate another local business, what would it be and and professional advice? why? Love to operate a car detailing shop and or a movie & beverage bistro! In the business network I have through my chamber members, many of whom I now consider good friends, I always have someone I can turn to Profession questions: March 2017 MVP for information and advice. Those relationships allow me to better assist How do you start your average day? Up early and off to the gym to get a my clients, so it’s a win-win for all! great work out in to jump start a productive day.

Fun & Personal Questions: Who is the person that had the biggest impact on your career and why? Favorite sport/team or movie? At my last employer I reported to a woman who was a regional manager and she Love the Seahawks! Russell Wilson is the man! was more like a change agent. She taught me to push harder, look deeper and be curious as to the “why” and to always find a way to make something work. If it Favorite reading material/website/magazine/blog or book? couldn’t work…fail forward and learn from it. I am a better manager and leader Books on Medieval European History today from this…

What (or who) is your top "go-to" place (or person) for business and Port of Bellingham WECU professional advice? Ummm…hmm, great question. I have a very close and Andres Powell, First Federal small group of colleagues that I trust completely. I call them Troy’s Professional Board of Directors and will bounce ideas and challenges through them to help What are our navigate me. April 2017 MVP members saying Fun & personal questions about Favorite sport/team? Well of course the Seahawks!

the Chamber? Favorite place to eat lunch? I love Avenue Bread or Jalapeno’s

What do you do for fun? Water is my “ahhh ha” place. Nothing better than floating or boating

Favorite reading material/website/magazine/blog or book? Does Zappo’s count? I love my shoes!!

Josh Burdick, Veritas Media San Juan Cruises Woods Coffee 2 7 BELLINGHAM/WHATCOM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY NEWSLETTER bellingham.com BELLINGHAM/WHATCOM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY NEWSLETTER bellingham.com

Membership Update Thank you to our WYPS News & Events Chamber News Liz: What do you bring to the Chamber? Christin: From the perspec- Renewing Members! Helpful hints for Chamber Welcomes New members tive of having raised our chil- Business Development & dren here, I have a better un- 25+ Years: Did you know that you can submit Sales Specialist, Christin derstanding of the Community Louis Auto Glass your press releases and business news Lunny as a whole, and can tie that Peace Health St Joseph Medical Center through your MIC (Member Informa- into sales, event, and market- tion Center?) ing opportunities. Q & A Interview conducted by Liz 20-24 Years:

Create your login (or email Leighton, Marketing Assistant Bellingham Farmers’ Market May 25 Liz: What is your favorite [email protected] if you need WYPS May Social help!) to access your Member Infor- Liz: Where are you originally from, place in Bellingham? mation Page. 15-19 Years: Christin? Christin: The Taylor Street Where: Sylvia Center for the Arts Bank of the Pacific Dock is the best spot on a 205 Prospect St, Bellingham The menu is on the left-hand side of Christin: . I’m a third generation sunny day. It’s a spectacular Bellingham Automotive When: 5:30—7:30 p.m. the screen. (see below) graduate of the University of Washing- Boundary Bay Brewing ton, and hold a degree in Communica- spot to view the scenery, relax RSVP at bellinghamwyps.com MacDonough Real Estate/Gary Oaksford Click on the news release to paste the tions. I have a broad range of experience in mar- & enjoy the fresh air! Cost: Free for members who RSVP; content and send to the Chamber! keting and sales. I began my career working for $5 for non-members Assuming it looks OK, we’ll get it 10-14 Years: $5 for members at the door; SEAFAIR in Seattle, where I collaborated with Liz: What one thing would you want the posted on our website ASAP. community partners and business leaders. members to know about you? Alvord-Richardson Construction $10 for non-members at the door Christin: I am passionate about Whatcom AMS Print & Mail Specialists Need help? County and the people who live here, and I Canyon Industries Call Shelli Jones at 746-2433! Liz: How long have you lived in Whatcom County? want to make it an even better place to not Gateway Centre Executive Suites June 22 Christin: I moved here in 1996 knowing that only live, but to do business. I look forward to Goodwill, Bellingham meeting and working with the members of the Hilltop Restaurant & Catering WYPS June Social Bellingham was a great place to raise a family. We have a blended family with 5 kids in three Bellingham Chamber and generating support Lynden Sheet Metal Where: Avenue Bread different schools, and we enjoy watching them for the Chamber’s events and the business Whatcom Educational Credit Union 1313 Railroad Ave. Bellingham participate in sports and music activities. I am community. Whatcom PUD #1 When: 5:30—7:30 p.m. also a member of the Bellingham Public Schools RSVP at bellinghamwyps.com Foundation Board of Directors. Liz: Any final words to our readers? 5-9 Years: Cost: Free for members who RSVP; Christin: I really look forward to meeting and Alzheimer Society of WA $5 for non-members working with the members of the Bellingham Liz: Can you tell us of an experience that Bornstein Seafoods $5 for members at the door; Chamber, and generating support for the may have influenced you career path? Coppinger Carter, P.S. $10 for non-members at the door Chamber’s events and the business commu- Christin: my girlfriends. I had taken along the Gary’s Plumbing & Heating nity! book, The Winds of War by Herman Wouk to IBEW Local Union 191 Hoop It Up sponsorships are read during the trip. It was so fascinating to be Lummi Indian Business Council available! Don’t miss out! Liz: Thank you so much, and we wel- visiting the places I read about in the book, that come you to the Chamber! SERVPRO of Bellingham it inspired me to want to make a difference in Get the Buzz Get your business out in front of Sig’s Funeral Services my own community. Whatcom Dispute Resolution Council thousands of July 4th attendees! Zippy Services Network and connect with other young profes- sionals at our Buzz meetings every week! Explore Bellingham packets for guests / tourists Email [email protected] 1-4 Years:

Tuesday, 7:30-8:30am As we plan our advertising for Hoop It Up 2017, we want to give our members a chance for additional Coldwell Banker Bain/Charley Myers Barkley Woods Coffee with Althea exposure. Givon USA Kulshan Commercial Investments Real Estate Tuesday, 8:30-9:30am While we work on attracting visitors and their families to attend the Haggen Family 4th of July, we Level 7/Branch Solutions Barkley Woods Coffee with Steph want to give those visitors an “Explore Bellingham” package with their hotel stay. An “Explore Belling- Limitless Law

ham” package will include coupons for local restaurants, special pricing on local items—like a growler My Garden Nursery Wednesday, 7-8am of beer, locally made items like cookies, candies, cupcakes, maps for outdoor adventures, whale watch- Pogozone Railroad Woods Coffee with Paul Semiahmoo Resort, Golf and Spa ing tours, etc. Senior Services of Island County Wednesday, 8-9am Discounts and coupons are not required. The goal is to give people an overview of what Bellingham Steakhouse 9 Railroad Woods Coffee with Shari has to offer. A restaurant menu, a kayak tour brochure, and map of mountain biking trails can all be Teknologic

included. You can contribute anything that helps to promote Bellingham and Whatcom County! The Peter James Studios Subscribe to the WYPS e-blasts for the Village Framers latest news and events at Whatcom County Winery & Distillery Assn BellinghamWYPS.com Contact [email protected] for more info! 6 3 BELLINGHAM/WHATCOM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY NEWSLETTER bellingham.com BELLINGHAM/WHATCOM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY NEWSLETTER bellingham.com

Member News & Events Member News & Events

Daylight Properties owner Robert Econolodge & Suites in Bellingham, PeaceHealth names Eric Brettner Mt. Baker Music SkillShare Retreat ‘American Idol’ winner McCreery Third 2020 Solutions, opens near Hall publishes book WA Wins Prestigious 2017 Gold as chief financial officer for North- performing at NW Fair airport Hospitality Award from Choice Ho- west network Three day acoustic instrument retreat at Excel- tels International sior Campground in the Mount Baker Snoqual- Whatcom County’s third 2020 Solutions Eric Brettner has been named chief financial mie National Forest recreational cannabis store opened April 1 at 4770 Pacific Highway, Bellingham, just south of The Econolodge Inn & Suites of Bellingham, officer for PeaceHealth’s communities in MT. BAKER MUSIC SKILLSHARE RETREAT the Interstate 5/Slater Road interchange. Wa was recently honored with a prestig- NW Washington and SE Alaska. Brettner ious 2017 Gold Hospitality Award from will oversee all aspects of financial manage- JUNE 9 - 12, 2017 Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: The first two 2020 Solutions stores – located at ment and financial operations for the four EXCELSIOR CAMPGROUND - MT. BAKER CHH), franchisor of the Econolodge brand. PeaceHealth medical centers in the North- 2018 Iron St. in downtown Bellingham and 5655 SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST west network: Guide Meridian, several miles north of Bellingham – combined to be the leading

“The Econolodge Inn & Suites hotel’s com- Share your passion for music, meet new people recreational cannabis retail brand in Whatcom mitment to excellence and outstanding PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center and enjoy the beauty and wonder of the forest County in 2016, totaling over $6.4 million in guest service has earned it this elite recog- PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center at this years Mt. Baker Music SkillShare Retreat sales. Country music star and “American Idol” nition as one of the best hotels among the June 9-12, 2017. Join the group for rustic river- PeaceHealth United General Medical Center winner Scotty McCreery will be singing Fri- Econlodge brand,” said Steve Joyce, chief side camping near Glacier, Washington and PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center day, Aug. 18 on the grandstand stage at the Unlike the first two, the newest 2020 Solutions meet up with experienced and novice musi- executive officer for Choice Hotels. “As Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden. store is owned and operated by Chris cians for practice circles, one on one jamming, one of the world’s leading lodging provid- McDoniel. He said its location is the most Brettner joins PeaceHealth after working in group sessions and workshops. This event is ers, we count on our franchisees to make McCreery burst onto the national music convenient recreational cannabis store for I-5 designed as a way for experienced musicians to scene in 2011 at age 17 by winning Season guests feel welcomed and to offer them a healthcare finance for more than 23 years in travelers, especially those headed to the Silver share their skills, and novices to take their skills 10 of “American Idol.” The singer/ great reason to return. This hotel has roles with increasing levels of responsibility. Reef Hotel Casino Spa, Bellingham International This Old Building—A Guide to Buying, For the last 11 years, Brettner was with Dig- to the next level. If you are an experienced songwriter’s deep voice and irresistible shown us they are delivering on that and so sound enable him to entertain fans of both Airport or the new Bellingham Costco store. Restoring, Financing, and Managing His- nity Health facilities in the San Francisco Bay musician and are interested in leading a work- much more. We here at Choice Hotels are shop please let us know! All acoustic instru- contemporary and traditional country music. toric Commercial Property Area. Most recently, he was CFO for four His first three albums debuted at No. 1 on a very proud to award this distinguished ments are welcome, if you don’t have to plug it “Chris recognized the accomplishments of 2020 hospitals – with a total of 1,439 beds – and Billboard chart and his album sales are ap- honor to the [Hotel Name] hotel.” in to play it, bring it along! Solutions and wanted to have that same THIS OLD BUILDING is an essential their associated medical foundations at Dig- proaching 3 million. experience and atmosphere in his store,” said guide for first-time restorers and a must- nity Health–Bay Area Service Area. Brettner Fees to participate are $50.00 per person or Aaron Nelson, Senior Vice President of read for anyone who cares about pre- Gold Award status represents a tremen- feels his personal values align very well with Tickets to see Scotty McCreery will go on $140 per family for 3 nights of camping and sale to the public at 9 a.m. April 13. Pre- Operations for 2020 Solutions. “Using the the values of Catholic healthcare ministries serving the historic character of our cit- dous accomplishment for a hotel and its participation in the event. Parking is at a pre- ferred seats are available for $35 and re- formula of Whatcom County’s favorite cannabis such as Dignity and PeaceHealth. ies. For three decades, Robert Hall has entire staff. Each year, only the very top mium in the campground so we do require served seats for $25. The grandstand tickets retailer, the Pacific Highway store will offer the hotels in each brand are eligible to receive $10.00 for a pass to park your vehicle. RV’s, don’t include gate admission for the fair, same great level of service you would find at any been on a mission to rescue old buildings this elite distinction. As a top performing Brettner earned a Master of Business Ad- motorhomes and the like that you drive in and which is required. People wishing to buy 2020 Solutions location. tickets before they are offered to the public and take them back to their original Choice Hotels property, the [Hotel Name] sleep in may be exempt, just ask! Tent space is ministration degree from Saint Mary’s Col- may become a Friend of the Fair by register- glory, first through restoration, and then hotel is among the top percentage of prop- lege of California, and a bachelor’s degree, plentiful and carpooling is encouraged. If you are interested in lodging off site and purchasing ing for free at http://nwwafair.com/ “Our success comes from first providing by managing them in such away as to erties within the [Brand Name] brand. As also in business administration, from the email.aspx. a day pass to the event please let us know. customers a professional, comfortable store enhance the community, as intended one of the company’s top tier hotels oper- University of California, Berkeley. In his environment, then assisting them with trained ating under the [Brand Name] flag, the ho- spare time, Brettner enjoys spending time Tickets can be purchased at and knowledgeable budtenders,” Nelson added. when newly built. In this book, he shares This is an all ages event. Families with children www.nwwafair.com and the fair office, 1775 tel has demonstrated an exceptional focus with his wife, Victoria, and teenaged son, “Our budtenders learn what the customer is entertaining stories and valuable trade are warmly invited to participate and minors Front St., Lynden, and by phone at (877) 699 on guest satisfaction and dedication to pro- Ian. He lists snowboarding, reading and must be accompanied by an adult at all times. seeking, such as relaxation, pain relief or secrets from first-hand experience. Hall -FAIR. The 2017 Northwest Washington viding superior service. Additional award home remodeling/carpentry projects among Dogs, on leash at all times, are also welcome. Fair will be presented Aug. 14-19. enhanced experiences, then find out whether demonstrates how to restore the integ- criteria are evaluated by Choice Hotels his hobbies. Brettner will be based at Peace- they like to smoke, use a vape pen, consume rity of the architecture while making through its official property ranking re- Health St. Joseph in Bellingham, Wash. His Payment and registration are available online, edibles or utilize another method. Then we can visit musicskillshare.com. offer recommendations best suited to the ports. first day will be May 22. these old timers fit to thrive another individual customer.” Contact WCC seeks Food Service RFPs hundred years and earn a healthy profit To learn more about this event, please con- for the owner. With practical guidelines, Whatcom Community College is seek- tact: The 2020 Solutions store on Pacific Highway is ing proposals from vendors to provide do-it-yourself tips, and before and after Rebecca Boonstra open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through on-campus food services. The estimated photographs, this book has everything PO Box 866 Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. time period for the contract is Septem- needed to make an old building restora- Maple Falls WA 98266 ber 2017 – August 2022. The proposal Office: 360-599-1518 For more information about 2020 Solutions, call tion a success. due date is Friday, May 5 at 3 p.m. Pa- 2017 Gold Hospitality Email: [email protected] (360) 734-2020 or visit Award recipient cific Standard Time. For more details, This Old Building is available at Ama- www.2020-solutions.com. Econolodge Inn & Suites of please visit whatcom.edu/

zon.com Bellingham 4 5